Trial Magazine

Navan Ward Jr.

President

“Nothing makes me prouder than being a member of AAJ, especially during difficult times. Our clients have so many obstacles, and AAJ is essential to protecting their rights.”

A principal with Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles in the Atlanta office, Mr. Ward served as President-elect in 2020–21, Vice President in 2019–20, Secretary in 2018–19, Treasurer in 2017–18, and Parliamentarian in 2016–17. He has chaired the Leaders Forum Advisory Board and the Minority Caucus, and he serves on the National Finance Council and the Voter Protection Committee. Mr. Ward earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and his J.D. from the university’s law school.

Tad Thomas

President-elect

“I am proud to have played a small part in AAJ’s efforts in 2020, from our involvement in the monumental election to the fight we led to ensure Americans of every race, ethnicity, age, and gender had access to the courthouse.”

Founder of Thomas Law Offices with offices in Louisville, Ky.; Chicago; Cincinnati; and Columbus, Mo., Mr. Thomas served as Vice President in 2020–21, Secretary in 2019–20, Treasurer in 2018–19, and Parliamentarian in 2017–18. He serves on the Public Education Committee, Law Schools Committee, National Finance Council, Membership Oversight Committee, and Legal Affairs Committee. Mr. Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College and his J.D. from Northern Kentucky University.

Sean C. Domnick

Vice President

“My goal is to show up every day and ensure that the voices of our clients are never silenced by the greed and negligence of corporations.”

A shareholder with Domnick Cunningham & Whalen in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Mr. Domnick served as Secretary in 2020–21, Treasurer in 2019–20, and Parliamentarian in 2018–19. He serves on the National Finance Council, Membership Oversight Committee, Public Affairs Committee, and Voter Protection Committee. He has chaired the Budget Committee and the Leaders Forum Advisory Board. Mr. Domnick earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his J.D. from the university’s law school.

Lori E. Andrus

Secretary

“Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to AAJ and to protecting your firms, your clients, and your livelihood. I will continue to work to enhance the strength, diversity, and effectiveness of AAJ.”

A partner with Andrus Anderson in San Francisco, Ms. Andrus served as Treasurer in 2020–21 and Parliamentarian in 2019–20. She has chaired the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus and the Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Fraud Litigation Group. Ms. Andrus serves on the Membership Oversight Committee, Voter Protection Committee, Publications Committee, Evergreen Advisory Board, and AAJ Press Advisory Board. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

Bruce M. Plaxen

Treasurer

“When our adversaries used a pandemic as an opportunity to enact tort ‘reform,’ AAJ fought for trial lawyers and their clients. I embark on this next year with the optimism that justice will prevail.”

A founding partner of Plaxen & Adler in Columbia, Md., Mr. Plaxen served as Parliamentarian in 2020–21. He serves on the National Finance Council and has chaired the Convention Planning Committee and the Organizational Review Committee. He was president of the Maryland Association for Justice from 2001–02. Mr. Plaxen earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and his J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law.

N. John Bey

Parliamentarian

“I consider it a personal honor to stand with you and answer the call to service every year. AAJ strives to keep an open courthouse for the citizens our society has at times failed, forgotten, and forsaken.”

Founder of Bey & Associates in Atlanta, Mr. Bey has served on the AAJ Executive Committee since 2015. He has chaired the Membership Oversight Committee, Minority Caucus, and Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and he serves on the National Finance Council, Voter Protection Committee, and Public Education Committee. He was a trustee of the National College of Advocacy from 2014–20. Mr. Bey earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Tobi L. Millrood

Immediate Past President

“I look forward to continuing to roll up my sleeves and work side by side with the AAJ community to protect civil justice and the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial.”

A partner with Pogust Millrood in suburban Philadelphia, Mr. Millrood served as President in 2020–21, President-elect in 2019–20, Vice President in 2018–19, Secretary in 2017–18, Treasurer in 2016–17, and Parliamentarian in 2015–16. He has chaired the Evergreen Advisory Board and the Section and Litigation Group Coordination Committee, cochaired multiple Litigation Groups, and served on many AAJ committees. Mr. Millrood earned his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law.