NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA (January 6, 2023) - The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) invites diverse trial lawyers to participate in the second annual Diversity Trial Advocacy Program.

Diversity in the Courtroom Program

The College has long been committed to increasing its ranks of talented, accomplished and diverse trial lawyers by including more women and persons of color, varying ethnicities, disabilities, and sexual orientation. Through this program, the College expands its commitment by helping to develop the next generation of diverse and inclusive trial advocates.

“Our society is diverse. Our courtrooms are diverse. We believe the talented lawyers trying cases should better mirror the diversity in our courtrooms,” said ACTL Teaching of Trial and Appellate Advocacy Committee Chair Thomas J. Heiden of Latham & Watkins, LLC (Chicago, IL). “The emergence of a broader group of talented and diverse trial lawyers will benefit clients and our system of justice in general. ACTL’s Diversity in the Courtroom Trial Advocacy Program will work to bring even more talented advocates of excellence to our courtrooms.”

After being enthusiastically endorsed by prior participants, faculty, and legal media, there was a universal plea that this program be continued as an annual event. The College is thrilled to announce the second Diversity Trial Advocacy Program will take place in Chicago May 5-7, 2023. The program will again be organized by the ACTL Teaching of Trial and Appellate Advocacy Committee and ACTL Fellows will serve as faculty. The program will be held at the Chicago offices of Kirkland & Ellis.

This innovative program strives to build faith, trust, and belief in the civil justice system. Preserving and protecting the rule of law and the civil trial system depends in part on the commitment provided today. The College is committed to these goals and to nurturing the next generation of excellent courtroom trial advocates.

You can help ensure the continued success of this program by nominating diverse litigators that you believe would benefit from this opportunity. The program will be limited to 50 attendees and place will be reserved in the order of registration.

Please direct any questions or notes of interest to Thomas Heiden (tjh66@cornell.edu). To nominate a lawyer or for direct registration, please contact Jagoda Rachwal (jagoda.rachwal@kirkland.com).

To read the entire Press Release, click here.