On May 24-25, 2007, 75 dynamic AAJ women trial attorneys representing 26 states, the District of Columbia and US Virgin Islands, came to Washington D.C. to meet with Democratic and Republican members of the U.S. Congress and Senate on the issues of preemption and binding mandatory arbitration.

On May 24th, event co-chairs Stacy Yandle, Yvonne Flaherty, Julie Kane and AAJ President Mike Eidson and future AAJ President Kathleen Flynn Peterson, welcomed and thanked participants for taking time from their busy schedules to attend this important event. Members were briefed on bills pending on Capitol Hill and received lobbying tips from AAJ Public Affairs staff.

At an evening reception, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Carolyn Kilpatrick (D, MI), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), Bruce Braley (D-IA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Lois Capps (D, CA) and 11 other members of Congress spoke about the importance of preserving the civil justice system, and fighting for the rights of women, children, and seniors. After the reception, attendees enjoyed dinner at Johnny's Half Shell, sponsored by various AAJ member law firms.

At a breakfast meeting on May 25th, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) encouraged women to make their voices heard by continuing to fight for victims' rights for all Americans. After hearing Senator Klobuchar's empowering words, state delegations met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Attendees reconvened for a luncheon where Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) shared her thoughts on civil justice.

After completing 195 lobby visits, participants were tired in body, but energized in spirit. Interacting with other AAJ women trial attorneys, meeting with members of the U.S. Congress and Senate, putting a different face on trial attorneys, and fighting for civil justice was a tall order, and our members stepped up to the plate.