Trial Magazine
AAJ Officers 2025-2026
October 2025President
Bruce Plaxen
“Your officers are committed to preserving civil justice. Thanks for all you do to help us win this battle.”
A founding partner of Plaxen Adler Muncy in Columbia, Md., Mr. Plaxen served as President-elect in 2024–25, Vice President in 2023–24, Secretary in 2022–23, Treasurer in 2021–22, and Parliamentarian in 2020–21. He serves on the National Finance Council, Evergreen Advisory Board, Trial Lawyers Care® Committee, and the Stalwarts/Hall of Fame Committee. He has chaired the Convention Planning Committee and the Organization Review Committee. He was president of the Maryland Association for Justice from 2001–02. Mr. Plaxen holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and a J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law.
President-elect
N. John Bey
“AAJ’s mission isn’t an easy lift. I strive to realize that mission and fight every day for our clients and our ideals.”
Founder of Bey & Associates in Atlanta, with offices in Birmingham, Ala.; Cincinnati; Macon, Ga.; and New Orleans, Mr. Bey served as Vice President in 2024–25, Secretary in 2023–24, Treasurer in 2022–23, and Parliamentarian in 2021–22. He has chaired the Membership Oversight Committee; Minority Caucus; and the Fairness, Access, Integration, and Representation Committee. He serves on the National Finance Council, Voter Protection Action Committee, Evergreen Advisory Board, and Public Education Committee and was a trustee of the National College of Advocacy from 2014–20. Mr. Bey holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and a J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law.
Vice President
Marion Munley
“I pledge to honor the promise of our founders to protect the right to trial by jury. I will speak out against those who attempt to trample on our clients’ rights.”
A partner with Munley Law in Scranton, Pa., Ms. Munley served as Secretary in 2024–25, Treasurer in 2023–24, and Parliamentarian in 2022–23. She has chaired the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus and was the first female chair of the Trucking Litigation Group. She was a trustee of the National College of Advocacy from 2015–21 and was co-chair of the Evergreen Advisory Board in 2021–22. She serves on the National Finance Council and AAJ PAC Board of Trustees. Ms. Munley holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.
Secretary
Christopher T. Nace
“The role of the trial lawyer in keeping our families safe has never been more vital. Trial lawyers stand up to powerful corporations and protect people when they need it most.”
The managing member of Nace Law Group in Washington, D.C., Mr. Nace served as Treasurer in 2024–25 and Parliamentarian in 2023–24. He has chaired the New Lawyers Division, Membership Oversight Committee, and Audit Committee. He is a longtime member of AAJ’s Board of Governors and Executive Committee. Mr. Nace is a past president of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., and of the National Civil Justice Institute. He is a member of six state trial lawyers associations. Mr. Nace holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a J.D. and an M.B.A. from Emory University.
Treasurer
Derrick L. Walker
“All that stands in the way of the irreparable erosion of a fair and accessible civil justice system is AAJ and the trial lawyers who breathe life into its mission.”
A managing shareholder with Allen & Allen in Richmond, Va., Mr. Walker is a long-standing member of AAJ’s Board of Governors and Executive Committee and currently serves on the National Finance Council, Membership Oversight Committee, AAJ PAC Board of Trustees, and Evergreen Advisory Board, among others. He has chaired the Budget Committee, Minority Caucus, and National College of Advocacy Board of Trustees. Mr. Walker is president of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary and a J.D. from the University of Richmond.
Parliamentarian
Laura V. Yaeger
“AAJ is where I found my voice, my people, and my purpose. It’s a place where hard work matters, values are shared, and everyone fighting for justice has a seat at the table.”
A partner with Justice Law Collaborative in N. Easton, Mass., Ms. Yaeger is a resident of St. Pete, Fla., and a member of AAJ’s Executive Committee, Board of Governors, National Finance Council, and Membership Oversight Committee. She also co-founded and chaired the LGBT Caucus. Ms. Yaeger formerly chaired the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus and is a co-chair of the Evergreen Advisory Board. Licensed in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a J.D. from the St. Thomas University School of Law, and an L.L.M. from the University of Houston Law Center.
Immediate Past President
Lori E. Andrus
“Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to AAJ, and I always will. Now, more than ever, we must stand up for our clients, for the judiciary, and for the rule of law.”
A partner with Andrus Anderson in San Francisco, Ms. Andrus served as President in 2024–25, President-elect in 2023–24, Vice President in 2022–23, Secretary in 2021–22, Treasurer in 2020–21, and Parliamentarian in 2019–20. She has chaired the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus and the VW Emissions Fraud Litigation Group. She has served on the Committee on the Judiciary, AAJ PAC Board of Trustees, and Public Affairs Committee, among others. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law.
