The American Association for Justice (AAJ), formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) is the leading organization for lawyers representing plaintiffs in the United States. As the world's largest trial bar, AAJ's mission is to promote justice and fairness for injured persons, safeguard victims' rights--particularly the right to trial by jury--and strengthen the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. It provides information and professional assistance to its members.
AAJ has more than 56,000 members worldwide, and a network of state and local affiliates involved in all areas of trial advocacy. AAJ provides lawyers with the information and professional assistance needed to "serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values inherent in the civil justice system." Like many professional organizations, AAJ also engages in lobbying on matters of concern to its members and their clients: "AAJ supports the civil justice system as a fundamental check on the power of businesses and governments and opposes efforts to limit the legal rights of citizens." It has opposed many changes related to "tort reform," including the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, which gives defendant companies the right to remove state court class actions to federal court.
Dave Wandling has been an active members of this elite organization since 2005 .
