2005 Women's Caucus Lobby Days in Review

On April 20-21, 2005, nearly 80 dynamic AAJ women trial lawyers from 32 states and the District of Columbia came to Washington D.C. to meet with Democratic and Republican members of the U.S. Congress and Senate on the issue of medical malpractice.

On April 20th, event co-chairs Robin Brewer of California, Ruth Bernstein of New York, and Julie Kane of Florida, welcomed and thanked participants for taking time from their busy schedules to attend this important event. Members were briefed on bills pending on Capitol Hill and received lobbying tips from AAJ Public Affairs staff.

At an evening reception, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) and 13 other members of Congress spoke about the importance of preserving the civil justice system, and fighting for the rights fo women, children, and seniors. After the reception, attendees enjoyed dinner at Smith & Wollensky Restaurant, sponsored by various AAJ member law firms.

At a breakfast meeting on April 21, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Vice-Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign, encouraged women to make their voices heard by continuing to fight for victims' rights for all Americans. After hearing Senator Stabenow's empowering words, state delegations met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Attendees reconvened for a luncheon where Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, shared his thoughts on civil justice and answered questions from members.

After completing a record 195 lobby visits, participants were tired in body, but energized in spirit. Interacting with other AAJ women trial attorneys, meeting with members of the U.S. Congress and Senate, putting a different face on trial lawyers, and fighting for civil justice was a tall order, and our members stepped up to the plate.