The American College of Trial Lawyers is a professional organization dedicated to improving the standards of trial practice, promoting the administration of justice, and protecting the rule of law. Composed of premier trial lawyers from the United States and Canada, the College offers trial advocacy programs, publishes informative materials (including a Journal, White Papers and occasional position statements), and supports initiatives to preserve an independent judiciary. The College also produces a podcast and engages in efforts to promote civility and ethics in trial law. Fellows uphold the highest standards of excellence, and through local, regional, and national meetings, foster collegiality among trial lawyers.
Dues can be paid online through the Fellow Portal. Simply log into your account, then click on "Pay Dues". You can also contact the National Office at (949) 752-1801 for assistance
On the login page, click on the Forgot your Password? Link. When you submit your request your username and password will be emailed to you.
You can find past issues of the Journal online by clicking here. You can read past issues of the eBulletin, the monthly newsletter, by clicking here.
You can request a copy of your committee's roster by emailing the National Office at nationaloffice@actl.com
As an invitation-only organization, one cannot apply for membership, and candidates for Fellowship are identified through a confidential process. Once a lawyer has been approved for Fellowship, they will be notified and asked to attend an upcoming meeting for formal induction into the College.
You can nominate a Fellow by sending a Proposal for Fellowship form to your State or Province Chair. The form can be found here.
Each summer the incoming President and President-Elect make appointments for the upcoming term, which begins at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting (usually late September). Fellows may request an appointment by filling out this form or by contacting the National Office. Occasionally, mid-term appointments are made at the discretion of the committee's Regent Liaison and the appointing officer.
In most cases, a nominator need only submit a letter of support, and the award committee will complete an investigation before deciding whether to recommend the person to the Board of Regents. You may send your letter to nationaloffice@actl.com. For more information on our awards, click here.
The College has no ties to any political party or any partisan endeavors. The Mission Statement of the College underscores the critical importance to our democracy of an independent judiciary and respect for the rule of law.
There are 2 Emeritus categories in the College:
1) Emeritus - Retired: if retired completely from the practice of law, dues is waived.
2) Emeritus - Age: if reached age 78 but still practice, dues is reduced.
In both instances, should have been a fellow for 10 years or more. If you feel that you meet the criteria for either Emeritus category, please forward your request to the National Office. Should you have new contact information, please include it with your request so we may update the Roster.
Per the Bylaws, under Article 3 Membership; Section 3.1. Classes of Membership; Item (C) Emeritus Fellows. "A Fellow shall be eligible for admission to the status of Emeritus Fellow upon either attaining the age of seventy-eight years or ceasing to engage in the active practice of law by reason of age, illness, infirmity, or other reason determined by the Board of Regents to be sufficient. The Board has complete discretion to determine whether a Fellow is eligible to be an Emeritus Fellow."
Fellows of the College who continue to advise clients, however intermittently, or who provide mediation or arbitration services are considered by the College to remain in the active practice of law. Consultative services by way of advice to partners or colleagues for which the client is charged obviously would fall into the same category. Maintenance of one's license to practice in the interests solely of maintaining health or insurance benefits or social aspects of bar membership, for example, would not, standing alone, prevent the elevation of a Fellow to Emeritus status.
Fellows may use the College logo on their firm website or email signature in accordance with our ACTL Logo Use Statement. You may obtain the logo file by emailing a request to the National Office at NationalOffice@actl.com