Experience ABOTA

Civility Matters ® is an effort to elevate the
standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the
legal profession. ABOTA created Civility Matters
with the hope that the program would be
presented at ABOTA educational activities, other
bar and professional programs, and, especially,
in every law school in the country.
Oath of Civility
ABOTA’s efforts have assisted in the
development and passage of numerous
amendments to the oaths being administered
around the country. There are now 22 states
administering an oath of practice that includes a
promise of civility.
ABOTA lawyers have also pressed this cause
to the state supreme courts and legislatures
around the country. The idea is to encourage
the addition of a civility requirement in the oaths
of practice administered to new lawyers. Not
only will this elevate the importance of civility
in the practice of law, it will reassure judges
and justices that civility can be and must be
preserved on a daily basis.
Chapter Activities
The mission of ABOTA is also carried out
through the activities of its local chapters:
• Interaction with the judiciary through events
honoring local, state and federal judges
• Juror education and recognition
• Educational programs
• Scholarships for local graduating law students
• Speakers provided to area schools
EDUCATION
The ABOTA Foundation creates the materials
and curriculum necessary for ABOTA Chapters
and their membership to provide meaningful
educational resources and opportunities for
teachers, K-12 students, the public and the local
legal community (including law students) to
grow their knowledge of civics and the American
civil justice system.
Professional Education
Masters in Trial TM is a continuing legal education
program licensed from the Foundation and
hosted by ABOTA Chapters. The program
teaches trial skills while focusing on instilling the
highest levels of civility and professionalism.
The National Trial College allows ABOTA
faculty members to provide young trial lawyers
invaluable tools and guidance in a week-long
intensive training program held on the campus
of Yale Law School.