Vol. 54 No. 7

Trial Magazine

President's Page

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Working Together

Kathleen Nastri July 2018

I have had many memorable experiences over the past year—such as the time Linda Lipsen introduced me to President Barack Obama at a fundraising dinner by saying, “Mr. President, this is our president.” I almost passed out! I will treasure that memory for the rest of my life, but not as much as I will treasure having served as your AAJ president. It has been an unbelievable experience, full of excitement I never imagined. Every trip I made to ­Washington, D.C., was exhilarating. I met with senators and representatives to discuss issues that will impact all trial lawyers, and I witnessed the incredible AAJ staff in action.

I learned much more about politics and the legislative process this year than I had anticipated, and I learned that their impact extends far beyond the borders of Washington, D.C. One of the highlights of my presidency was traveling across the country to meet with state and regional trial lawyer associations—to meet many of you.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, from liberal states to conservative ones, I learned how different it is to be a trial lawyer in diverse parts of the country. But regardless of our differences, we face the same challenges, and we are all fighting for the same values and ideals.

In my first President’s Page for Trial, I wrote that being part of AAJ means that none of us is alone. I believe that now more than ever. We fight together. We persevere together. We celebrate together. We learn together.

Each month, as I introduced a new Trial issue theme, I also ­highlighted various AAJ resources. My hope was to remind readers that they don’t have to do everything on their own. AAJ is here to help, and so are its members.

This month, Trial focuses on drugs and devices. You can read about your colleagues’ insight and experience dealing with opioid manufacturer and distributor liability (p. 22), responding to preemption motions for 510(k) devices (p. 40), and a Q&A with Judge Kathryn Vratil of the District of Kansas on multidistrict litigation and increasing diversity in the profession (p. 30).

You also can learn about jurisdictional challenges in drug and device cases through the shared AAJ Personal Jurisdiction Document Library (www.justice.org/morebenefits) or access a network of colleagues with clients affected by a specific drug or device by joining the related AAJ Litigation Group.

In addition, the AAJ Exchange has 14 different drug and device Litigation Packets, and AAJ Education offers both webinars and in-person seminars throughout the year focusing on specific drug and device litigation techniques, trends, and strategies. We don’t just learn together—we learn from one another as well.

As I proudly pass the presidential gavel to Elise Sanguinetti, I have two hopes for the next year and beyond. First, I hope each of you will continue to learn and collaborate with one another—through AAJ Education events, shared resources, and participating in groups and committees. I am better off for embracing everything AAJ has to offer, and you will be too. Second, I hope you will continue to fight for justice for your clients—and for everyone—with AAJ.

Everything I did this year as AAJ president has made me a better leader, lawyer, and person. Thank you for your support and for giving me this incredible opportunity.


Kathleen Nastri is an attorney at Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder in Bridgeport, Conn. She can be reached at kathleen.nastri@justice.org.