Welcome to the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Formed in 1958, ABOTA is dedicated to the preservation of the Seventh Amendment right to civil trial by jury, to the promotion of Professionalism and Civility among the trial bar, and to the support of an independent judiciary and the rule of law. Applicants must have tried at least 20 civil cases to verdict and must practice the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct.
Massachusetts was the first colony in America to guarantee a right to a civil jury trial by the adoption of the Body of Liberties in 1641. Mass ABOTA members are keenly aware of our obligation to protect this cherished right and pass it along to those who follow us. We run a host of unique educational and social programs designed to help foster professionalism among trial lawyers and promote the continued health of the jury system.
“Representative Government and trial by jury are the heart and lungs of liberty.”
- John Adams