The Academy was founded in 1954 and is recognized as the most prestigious organization of trial lawyers in the world.
We are an international legal association both in spirit and membership. The Academy limits Fellowship to 500 active trial lawyers from the United States, and includes over 150 Fellows from nearly 40 countries across the globe.
Fellowship in the Academy is by invitation only. Trial lawyers become Fellows only after an extremely rigorous vetting process, which includes both peer and judicial review. The Academy seeks out Fellows who have achieved a career of excellence as shown by their skills in trial, and as demonstrated by their integrity and professionalism. Members are often heavily involved in pro bono efforts and generously contribute time and resources to their local communities.
IATL Mission Statement
The IATL is an international fellowship of lawyers whose mission is to protect and promote the rule of law.
IATL Core Values
- The rule of law is essential to a civilized society and democracy
- Equal justice should be accessible to all
- A legal profession where judges and lawyers are held to the highest standards of competency, integrity, and civility
IATL Strategic Initiatives
These goals serve as the pillars of our strategic plan:
- Impact
- Diversity
- Member Development and Engagement
- Awareness
IATL Meetings
The Academy has three meetings of its membership each year:
- Annual Meeting
- Mid-Year Meeting
- International Meeting
Annual and Mid-Year Meetings highlight world class venues throughout the U.S. and abroad, stimulating speakers, spectacular entertainment, exciting excursions, and fellowship with the best trial lawyers in the world. Fellows are encouraged to attend with their families, and meetings are designed to foster camaraderie and life-long friendships.
Featured speakers range from notable judges and authors to popular entertainers and business leaders. The Annual Meeting also includes a Dean’s Address designed to advance the rule of law and trial advocacy.
International Meetings are exquisite voyages across the global such as cruising the Danube, going on a safari in Kenya, exploring Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. They are opportunities for Fellows and their families to explore the world together and form even deeper friendships.
In conjunction with our International Meetings, IATL Fellows traditionally take on volunteer projects to support underprivileged communities and legal and judicial training in developing countries.
IATL Leadership
The Academy is governed by a robust Board of Directors who volunteer their time and expertise to the organization. The Board includes a smaller leadership body called the Executive Committee. Executive Committee members, including the IATL President, serve one-year terms. The Academy also has various committees and coalitions with designated Chairs who volunteer their time and leadership abilities. IATL is supported by dedicated Executive Office staff.