DALLAS, July 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A. La'Verne Edney, National
President of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), has
been honored with the National Bar Association (NBA) Trial Master
Award. The award was presented at the NBA's 99th Annual Convention
in Las Vegas on July 13.
"This prestigious accolade is a testament to La'Verne's
exceptional legal career, commitment to justice, and outstanding
contributions to the field of trial advocacy," said Vanita M. Banks, NBA past president.
When presenting the award, Ms. Banks described Ms. Edney as
someone who has long been recognized for her dedication to
upholding the highest standards of legal practice and her
unwavering commitment to the principles of civil justice. As the
president of ABOTA, she has demonstrated exemplary leadership,
advocating for the preservation and promotion of the Seventh
Amendment right to a civil jury trial. Her receipt of the NBA Trial
Masters Award underscores her influence and impact within the legal
community, highlighting her as a leading figure in advancing trial
advocacy and promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal
profession. In receiving this award, Ms. Edney joins a
distinguished group of legal professionals who have significantly
shaped the landscape of trial law.
Recognizing the ongoing need for skilled and ethical lawyers in
the courtroom, ABOTA and the NBA partnered to present the Civil
Trial Advocacy Boot Camp. The program was held during the NBA's
99th Annual Convention and Exhibits in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
The one-day program equipped trial lawyers with effective civil
trial advocacy techniques and strategies. Expert trial lawyers led
the sessions, focusing on essential skills such as case evaluation
and selection, voir dire and jury selection, opening statements,
direct and cross-examination, witness preparation, closing
arguments, and legal storytelling.
Key topics included the use of advanced technologies like
artificial intelligence and drones in court, effective jury
selection strategies, controlling witnesses on direct and
cross-examination, and mastering the art of legal storytelling.
Additionally, the program covered vital aspects of professional
responsibility, emphasizing the importance of protecting client
trust accounts and navigating disciplinary proceedings.
"I am thrilled that we partnered with the NBA again this year
for this phenomenal program," said John E.
Sweeney, who serves as Diversity of Membership Co-chair for
ABOTA and a recipient of the Trial Master Award. "As we strive for
greater diversity and inclusion, our collaboration is a win-win
that benefits both our organizations."
"The collaboration among the finest trial attorneys in the NBA
and ABOTA in presenting this program is a natural fit, affording
learning opportunities for attendees," said Ms.Edney. "Cultivating
the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship between our organizations
works to advance our respective missions. I am honored to receive
this award and look forward to continuing our partnership."
The program was co-sponsored by the NBA Law Professors Division,
NBA Affiliate Botswana Bar Association, NBA Affiliate South Africa
Bar Association, and NBA International Law Section.
About the National Bar Association
The NBA was founded
in 1925 and is the nation's oldest and largest national network of
predominantly African-American attorneys and judges. It represents
the interests of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law
professors and law students. The NBA is organized around 23
substantive law sections, 9 divisions, 12 regions and 80 affiliate
chapters throughout the United
States and the world.
About the American Board of Trial Advocates
Founded in 1958, ABOTA is a national association of experienced
trial lawyers and judges. ABOTA and its members are dedicated to
the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right
provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA
membership consists of more than 7,000 lawyers — equally balanced
between plaintiff and defense — and judges spread among 94 chapters
in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia. For more information visit ABOTA.org.
For more information:
Tara
Neumann
taran@abota.org
(214) 215-7117
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SOURCE AMERICAN BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCATES (ABOTA)