Winter Newsletter 2007

ATLA Changing Name To Better Reflect Mission

Questions and Answers aboutChanging Our Name to the American Association of Justice

Mission: AAJ's mission is to promote a fair and effective justice system—and to support the work of attorneys in their efforts to ensure any person who is injured by the misconduct or negligence of others can obtain justice in America’s courtrooms, even when taking on the most powerful interests.

Why are we changing our name?
ATLA's Board of Governors in June, and the membership in July at our annual convention, voted overwhelmingly to change ATLA's name to the American Association for Justice.
Changing our name to the American Association for Justice is an important next step in our Fight for Justice Communications Campaign, the campaign to protect and strengthen the civil justice system so that every person can get justice.

Our new name better articulates what is at stake and what we do. It is a reflection of the fight to ensure that every person has access to justice and can get a fair shake, even when up against the most powerful interests.

How was the name American Association for Justice Selected?
We looked at many options, but in the end, the membership agreed that our name needed to meet three criteria. First, it has to make sense to our members and the public. Second, it must avoid trademarks and other conflicts. Third, it has to send the right message. Our new name, the American Association for Justice, meets all three.

Now that ATLA is AAJ, what do I call myself? Do I still refer to myself as a trial lawyer?
Collectively, we'll be known as the American Association for Justice. However, many of our members will continue to refer to themselves as they have always done. Some will introduce themselves as trial attorneys, or trial lawyers, others as plaintiffs´ attorneys, and still others as justice attorneys or defenders of justice

Are name changes like this typical for associations such as ours?
Yes, National professional organizations change their names all the time. In fact, our association has changed its name in the past. Many highlight their mission—not the members. Two examples are the American Medical Association and the National Education Association. Their names reflect what they do, not what their members call themselves.

Excerpt from AAJ published material