Trial Magazine
AAJ Officers 2020-2021
November 2020Tobi L. Millrood – President
“Each AAJ president has faced different challenges, but all have carried the awesome responsibility to preserve civil justice and ensure that the bedrock principle of our American legal system remains: to protect the right to hold wrongdoers accountable.”
A partner with Pogust Millrood in suburban Philadelphia, Mr. Millrood served as President-Elect in 2019–20, Vice President in 2018–19, Secretary in 2017–18, Treasurer in 2016–17, and Parliamentarian in 2015–16. He is a past chair of the Evergreen Advisory Board and the Section and Litigation Group Coordination Committee, has cochaired multiple Litigation Groups, and has 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.
Navan Ward, Jr. – President-Elect
“I have seen how important AAJ is in protecting all plaintiffs’ rights—in its efforts to end forced arbitration, police brutality, and systemic racism—and how AAJ helps trial lawyers become better advocates through its education and networking opportunities.”
A principal with Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles in Atlanta, Mr. Ward served as Vice President in 2019–20, Secretary in 2018–19, Treasurer in 2017–18, and Parliamentarian in 2016–17. He chairs the Public Affairs Committee and cochairs the Biomet Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants Litigation Group. He has chaired the Minority Caucus and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He serves on the Voter Protection Action Committee and the National Finance Council. Mr. Ward earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and his J.D. from the university’s law school.
Tad Thomas – Vice President
“I’m very proud to be serving in a capacity where I can work with AAJ staff and officers to ensure that the courthouse doors remain open for our clients and that we all have a way to fight injustice.”
Founder of Thomas Law Offices with offices in Louisville, Ky.; Chicago; Cincinnati; and Columbus, Mo., Mr. Thomas served as 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, Legal Affairs Committee, and Task Force on Civil Jury Trials in the Era of COVID-19. Mr. Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College and his J.D. from Northern Kentucky University.
Sean C. Domnick – Secretary
“I have never been more honored to serve an organization committed to fighting injustice and promoting diversity, inclusion, and democracy. At a time when political discourse has unraveled to the darkest depths, AAJ represents the values our nation desperately needs: civility, sensibility, justice for all.”
A shareholder with Domnick Cunningham & Whalen in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Mr. Domnick served as Treasurer in 2019–20 and Parliamentarian in 2018–19. He serves on the National Finance Council, Membership Oversight Committee, Public Affairs Committee, and the Voter Protection Action Committee. He is a past chair of the Budget Committee. Mr. Domnick earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville and his J.D. from the university’s law school.
Lori E. Andrus – Treasurer
“For my entire career, I have dedicated myself to AAJ and to protecting your firms, your clients, and your livelihood. As your Treasurer, I will work to enhance the strength, diversity, and efficacy of AAJ.”
A partner with Andrus Anderson in San Francisco, Ms. Andrus served as Parliamentarian in 2019–20. She serves on the Budget Committee, Membership Oversight Committee, the Voter Protection Action Committee, the Publications Committee, Evergreen Advisory Board, Public Affairs Committee, and the AAJ Press Advisory Board. She is a past chair of the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus and the Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Fraud Litigation Group. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law.
Bruce M. Plaxen – Parliamentarian
“Representing the injured is my passion. AAJ is where I find myself among people with a shared value system. It is where I find empathy, respect, solace, and inspiration. I promise that as an officer of AAJ, you will always receive nothing short of my best efforts.”
A founding partner of Plaxen & Adler in Columbia, Md., Mr. Plaxen currently serves on the National Finance Council, Stalwarts/Hall of Fame Committee, and Organization 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.
Bruce H. Stern – Immediate Past President
“Trial lawyers must continue to be ‘all in’ for the future of civil justice in this country. With that kind of focus, we can be an even stronger united force for accountability, justice, and our clients.”
A shareholder in Stark & Stark in Princeton, N.J., Mr. Stern served as President in 2019–20, President-Elect in 2018–19, Vice President in 2017–18, Secretary in 2016–17, Treasurer in 2015–16, and Parliamentarian in 2014–15. He serves on the Public Affairs Committee and the National Finance Council. He has chaired the Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section; the Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group; and the Audit Committee. Mr. Stern earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and his J.D. from the Rutgers School of Law.
