Rising to the challenge of the 108th Congress.

I sat down to write this column the day after the midterm congressional elections. Lawmakers who support powerful corporate interests at the expense of consumers, patients, workers, and families will control the Senate and the House of Representatives in the 108th Congress. The news is disappointing but far from hopeless for America's civil justice system.

I emphasize that partisan labels are not the real issue. Civil justice supporters sit on both sides of the aisle, and we support good candidates regardless of party affiliation. If anything, the election results suggest that we must work harder to reach out to pro-civil-justice Republicans. But in political reality, leadership sets the agenda--and there is no doubt that the new leadership in both houses is wedded to big-business interests whose top priority is to put greedy corporations above the law.

The implications for our clients could be tragic. For 17 months, the Democrats who controlled the Senate held back a torrent of tort "reform" promoted by the Republican-led House. They held off this legislation with a single-vote majority and help from a handful of principled and caring Republicans. With Republicans now the majority in both chambers--their leaders committed to a probusiness, anticonsumer agenda--the floodgates are likely to open. "Justice for all" truly is in danger of becoming "justice for some."

ATLA's members have united to turn back similar tides before. In 1995, we faced a massive challenge when even larger Republican majoritios took over Congress with a plan to pass sweeping tort litigation limits as part of their "Contract with America." But a pro-civil-justice president was in the White House. We have no such check or balance today. President Bush makes no secret of his disdain for lawyers and his goal of limiting legitimate lawsuits by injured Americans.

Today, our foes in corporate America are better organized than ever. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched a multimillion-dollar assault on trial lawyers and the civil justice system. The election results will only embolden the Chamber and its corporate allies.

We cannot hope to match the financial resources of our well-heeled opponents in the insurance, tobacco, drug, chemical, and manufacturing industries. But no one should underestimate our commitment to our clients and our cause. I know ATLA's members will rise to this occasion. As trial lawyers, we're experienced in fighting uphill battles. Against great odds, we daily represent people harmed by corporate greed and indifference. We must bring that experience to the coming battle.

Our first step is to correct the public image of trial lawyers. We know who we are: We're the good guys. But in the public's mind, we're swaggering, arrogant money-grubbers. It's time to put a new face on our profession, to accurately reflect that we are soccer coaches, parents, school board members, and community volunteers who fight for the "little guy" against the Enrons of the world.

There is no quick or easy fix. ATLA is working on new initiatives in this area, but ultimately the responsibility for fixing our image falls on every member. We need to stop merely saying that we're misunderstood and educate people about the good that we do.

Repairing the image of trial lawyers starts with each of us, and the place to begin is at home, at the grassroots level, in our own communities. The suggestions below can make a difference. If they seem small or inconsequential in the face of corporate America's relentless assault, just imagine how many people we'll reach if every ATLA member is engaged. Tools to help you get started are available on ATLA's new-and-improved Web site at www. atla.org, and more will be coming.

* Communicate regularly with your clients through newsletters and e-mails that inform them on key issues and reinforce a positive image of the civil justice system and the trial lawyers who help them. Your ATLA membership provides access to customized newsletters at substantial discounts.

* Identify potential allies in your community, such as consumer or safety groups, and work publicly to support their efforts. Team with them and your local police department to sponsor a bike helmet safety program or a car seat safety checkup day.

* Reach out to seniors, families, and students explaining that trial lawyers are on their side, working to make America safer. Volunteer to speak at local schools, to community groups, and at senior centers.

Debunking myths about the McDonald's coffee case is a good place to start because everybody has heard about it.

A difficult and challenging opportunity is ahead. Now is the time to encourage every one of your colleagues to support ATLA--the trial lawyers' national voice. Together, we can and will fix the image of trial lawyers, turn back the tide of tort "reform," and again elect a pro-civil-justice majority in Congress. After all, don't the good guys usually win in the end?

Your friend,

Mary Alexander