Trial Magazine

In April, 142 women from 37 states traveled to Washington, D.C., for the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus’s biennial Lobby Days. They advocated for their clients’ rights and for a robust civil justice system. Seventy-four of the women were first-time attendees.

AAJ’s Public Affairs team kicked off the event by briefing the women on the “Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act,” which would prohibit pre-dispute forced arbitration clauses in all consumer and employment contracts, and the “Restoring Justice for Workers Act,” which would prohibit forced arbitration in the workplace and prevent corporations from barring workers from joining together in class actions.

The Caucus hosted a reception that evening featuring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Twelve members of Congress also attended, including Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-N.Y.), Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa), Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), and Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.). The women wrapped up the night with a group dinner.

The second day of the event began with a breakfast featuring Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.). The women then headed to the Hill and participated in more than 300 meetings with their senators and representatives, discussing the negative impacts of forced arbitration and asked members of Congress to cosponsor the two bills.

The Lobby Days have helped AAJ to build key relationships and increase awareness about forced arbitration. The Caucus’s efforts have led to more than 10 additional cosponsors of the FAIR Act, with the number still increasing. And after participants discussed the “Restoring Justice for Workers Act” with congressional offices, the legislation was introduced with 47 cosponsors in the House.

“Lobby Days always fills me with hope,” said event co-chair and Boston trial lawyer Lauren Barnes. “Helping our elected representatives understand the importance of meaningful access to the civil justice system is critical work. Doing so in such inspiring company—over 140 smart, dedicated women lawyers—makes me even prouder to be a trial lawyer.”

If you are interested in attending future AAJ Lobby Days, please contact Tricia Cooley, director of membership, at tricia.cooley@justice.org.