Welcome to the 2006 Seattle Annual Convention
Saturday, July 15- Wednesday, July 19

Members attending the AAJ Annual Convention had a full schedule of programs to expand their legal knowledge, of political speeches, and of visiting with colleagues. Many attendees and their families have ventured out into the City of Seattle for good food, tours and rides to the top of the space needle or a hike through Mt. Rainier. Some recent Convention highlights include:

Civil Justice Foundation Breakfast - The Civil Justice Foundation awards modest grants to grassroots consumer advocacy groups. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million to over 100 organizations. Celebrating 20 years of consumer advocacy the Civil Justice Foundation awarded Dylan Malone for his battle against anti-consumer medical negligence reforms in the State of Washington. This year the Civil Justice Foundation introduced their Humanitarian Award which was given to Carrie Broadus of Woman-Alive for being an advocate for AIDS policy changes ensuring Minority Woman have equal access to high quality healthcare. Lastly, guest speaker and award winner Attorney General Eliot Spitzer received the Community Champion Award for his leadership fight against those who commit consumer fraud, as well as his battle against corruption on behalf of all the citizens of the United States.

Membership Awards Luncheon - The luncheon was keynoted by former Senator John Edwards. He spoke of the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina. Numerous awards were given at the luncheon. They included:

1. Leonard M. Ring award to Roxanne Barton Conlin
2. Partnership Award to Tommy Townsend, Executive Director, Texas TLA
3. David S. Shrager President's Award to Richard A. Bieder
4. Paralegal of the Year Award to Julie Hunt
5. State Delegate of the Year Award to Steven Garver
The Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award went to AAJ member Carlene Rhodes Lewis and her clients, Louise Bell and Carol Ernst.

Minority Caucus Reception - Over 150 people attended this reception to celebrate lawyers of color. The Caucus honored Judge Matthew J. Perry with the Johnnie L. Cochran , Jr. Soaring Eagles Award . The award symbolizes the struggle of lawyers of color as they travel down the road to personal and professional success. Matthew J. Perry, Jr. was arguably the leading civil rights attorney in South Carolina during the decades of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. President Jimmy Carter nominated Judge Perry to the United States District Court in South Carolina. He was appointed senior judge in October 1995 and continues to serve in that capacity today.

After the second full day of the AAJ Convention, members enjoyed themselves - networking, attending a variety of educational programs and meetings, catching up with old friends, and hearing from prominent speakers. Some of the highlights include:

American Association for Justice Political Action Committee Town Hall Meeting - This luncheon had a huge, standing room only crowd and featured the witty James Carville, who discussed the future of politics in America and what we can expect in the 2006 elections. Fight back and give to the PAC!

Kids & Family Activities - As at every AAJ Convention, numerous family- and child-friendly programs are offered. There were city tours, game rooms for children, crafts activities and movies.

Section & Litigation Group Meetings & Educational Programs - With over 47 educational programs to attend, the convention is the place to get your CLE credits. There were classes on issues ranging from products that causes fires, machinery incidents and toxic torts, to sexual assaults, hazing, corporate fraud, and identity theft. Numerous section and litigation groups also met to discuss issues of interest and share ideas with over 100 meetings.

The Robert L. Habush AAJ Endowment Reception - Larry Stewart, President of the Endowment, kicked off the reception with welcoming remarks and a call for continued support. Senator Joseph Biden came by to thank AAJ members and attendees for their help over the past year.

Opening Plenary - This kickoff event occurred Saturday evening and included a 60th AAJ anniversary video, several awards and an impassioned speech by Judge Alex Sanders- President of Emeritus of the College of Charleston. The awards included one honoring the Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime AAJ member Ralph M. Cloar. Certificates of Recognition were awarded to Lenny Orman and Paul Rheingold. Lenny Orman has devoted 21 years of service as a Maryland Board of Governor. Paul Rheingold has given ordinary devotion to AAJ and has attended 46 AAJ conventions. The Harry Philo Award was awarded to Thomas Boggs.

Opening Reception - Several thousand people attended the opening party Saturday night which featured food from the ethnic communities of Seattle and Pike's Market. Jugglers, mime and the tattoo parlor entertained the members and their families.

Women's Trial Lawyers Caucus Brunch - Montana Governor Brian Sweitzer spoke briefly and then introduced keynote speaker, Kansas Governor Katheleen Sebelius, who spoke on women in leadership. The Caucus presented a check to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in honor of Kathy Brandt, Chair of the Women's Caucus. Lee Rohn of the Virgin Islands was honored with the Marie Lambert Award for her exemplary work as a trial lawyer and leader in the community.

Republican Trial Lawyers Caucus - There was a larger than expected turnout at the meeting, with over 50 members participating. The Caucus elected its first official officers and two board members in anticipation of final board approval to be a permanent standing committee.

Leonard Weinglass Civil Rights Award - AAJ's Civil Rights Section presented its second annual Leonard Weinglass Civil Rights Award to Alan Graff. Attorney Graf, an advocate and defender of local activist. The award was presented by U.S. Congressman James McDermott (D-WA). Congressman McDermott discussed the current state of the civil liberties and the ongoing challenges and struggles confronting civil rights attorneys.

Congratulations to Gary Paul, AAJ's Parliamentarian for 2006-2007. He is the West Coast Chair for the National Finance Council and serves on AAJ's List and Public Affairs Committee. Paul received his J.D. from Loyola Law School. Paul is currently involved in the Roscoe Pound Institute Officers & Board of Trustees, Public Education Committee, American Association for Justice Political Action Committee Board of Trustees, Membership Oversight Committee, Legal Affairs Committee, Election Committee, Convention Planning Committee, Board of Governors, and Budget Committee.

Leadership Breakfast - The morning began with an early breakfast that was well attended by AAJ leadership.

American Association for Justice Political Action Committee Eagles Reception - Congressmen Jay Inslee and Steny Hoyer, along with Senator Jon Tester spoke at PAC Eagles Reception on Saturday about their commitment to fight for the civil justice system.

American Association for Justice Political Action Committee M Club Luncheon - More than 300 members who give annually to the American Association for Justice Political Action Committee packed the M Club Luncheon on Sunday. Key speakers were Governor Christine Gregoire (WA), Senator Patty Murray, Senator Richard Durbin, and Governor Bill Richardson.

AAJ Exposition Hall - More than 169 companies and 188 booths offered the latest legal products and services for you and your practice. See the Exhibit Hall floor plan, exhibitor listing, hall hours and events.

Questions? Comments? Please let us know at web.editor@justice.org.