Mission Statement
The American College of Trial Lawyers strives to preserve and enhance trial practice, civility, professionalism, and the administration of justice through support of an independent judiciary, the rule of law, trial by jury, and access to justice.
The College is an invitation-only fellowship of exceptional trial lawyers from the United States and Canada who have demonstrated the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism, and collegiality.
From our President
Welcome to the website of the American College of Trial Lawyers. It is my great privilege to serve as President of the College for 2024-2025. If you have previously visited our site, you no doubt recognize that the website has been revamped and updated.
Public Statements
The College may from time to time publish a statement that reflects the official position of the College. The Mission Statement of the College underscores the critical importance to our democracy of an independent judiciary and respect for the rule of law.
Jun 10, 2024
Public Statement
College Condemns Unsubstantiated Accusations From Public Officials That Threaten Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF TRIAL LAWYERS CONDEMNS UNSUBSTANTIATED ACCUSATIONS…
Apr 2, 2024
Public Statement
College Condemns Personal Attacks on Judges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF TRIAL LAWYERS CONDEMNS FORMER PRESIDENT…
Mar 29, 2024
News, Public Statement
College Issues Call For US Senate to Conduct Fair, Objective and Civil Judicial Confirmation Proceedings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF TRIAL LAWYERS ISSUES A CALL…
Leadership and
Fellows of the College
The leadership of the College consists of a Board of Regents, including the Executive Committee and fifteen Regents representing geographic areas, who are elected by the Fellows. In addition, the Past Presidents are ex-officio members of the Board.
The History of the College
In 2025, the American College of Trial Lawyers is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Today, the College continues to evolve, having recently completed a strategic plan to enhance its mission and further diversify through Fellows who represent all geographic regions, trial practice areas, races, ethnicities, and genders.
Our History
The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) was founded in 1950 by California attorney Emil Gumpert with the goal of recognizing and encouraging excellence in the courtroom while improving the standards of trial practice.
Heritage Library
A special section of the website dedicated to preserving the rich history and legacy of the College as we celebrate 75 years of tradition, excellence and advocacy.
Giving Back
The Foundations of the College are dedicated to improvement in the quality of trial and appellate advocacy, the ethics of our profession and the administration of justice. The Foundations are funded by voluntary contributions, memorial gifts and bequests.
U.S. Foundation
The U.S. Foundation is dedicated to improvement in the quality of trial and appellate advocacy, the administration of justice and the ethics of the profession.
Canadian Foundation
The Canadian Foundation is dedicated to advancing education by developing and delivering programs that teach law students about maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, the delivery of legal services, ethics and professionalism, in order to prepare them for careers as trial lawyers and to support initiatives providing access to justice.
Awards
The College has established several awards to recognize examples of courageous advocacy and significant contributions to improvement of the litigation process.
Contact our National Office
The National Office of the American College of Trial Lawyers is headquartered in Newport Beach, California near the Santa Ana/John Wayne International Airport.
DEIA
Consistent with its Mission Statement, the College seeks to promote the treatment of every person with dignity and respect, and to foster an inclusive, collegial environment that values the unique background, experiences, perspectives, and contributions of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find helpful resources for Fellows as well as answers to common inquiries about the College’s mission, programs and resources.