by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
The Florida Trial Lawyers Association is changing its name to try to change public perception of its aims and ideals.
Two weeks ago, the board voted to switch the statewide organization’s title to the Florida Justice Association. FTLA treasurer and Jacksonville attorney Tom Edwards said steps will be taken to make the change legal by the end of the year.
“We simply concluded that when we say, ‘I’m here on behalf of the trial lawyers’ ... there is a different view with the public and with legislature than if you say, ‘I’m here with the Florida Justice Association,’ ” said Edwards. “The primary purpose of changing the name is so the focus is on our mission.”
The roughly 4,000-member FTLA was founded in 1961 to educate and advance the practice of trial law. Over the last decade or so, Edwards said, the organization’s goals have expanded beyond attorney training to lobbying in attempts “to protect the civil justice system.” He said the advocacy efforts are a response to the business community’s efforts to change the Florida constitution.
“We try to go over (to Tallahassee) and make sure there is a level playing field,” said Edwards. “We take an oath when we become attorneys to protect our civil justice system ... The legal system can’t serve as a check for what’s going on in the legislature if it’s hamstrung by inappropriate laws.”
Scott Cleary, president of the Jacksonville Trial Lawyers Association, said the local organization might seek a similar name change after a vote.
“I think what ultimately we’ll do is we’ll follow the lead of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers,” said Cleary. “Different groups have tried to make trial lawyer a four-letter word.”
Some groups have criticized similar name changes on a national level. When the Association of Trial Lawyers of America recently changed its name to the American Association for Justice, the Institute for Legal Reform called the move “an astounding admission of the unpopularity of trial lawyers in America.” The Institute supports tort reform, legal changes that would cap the rewards personal injury attorneys can win in lawsuits.