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Christopher T. Nace for Parliamentarian of the American Association for Justice
Learn more about Chris’s work and leadership in AAJ and other organizations
As trial lawyers, we are in a position to help people when they are at their most vulnerable, and to ensure that the rule of law applies to all people and entities. Representing individuals is a privilege.
I consider myself fortunate to represent people who need a voice. But I am also lucky to be part of an organization that has spent nearly 80 years fighting to uphold the rights of injury plaintiffs and supporting legislation that will protect and advance the civil justice system.
That organization is the American Association for Justice – and I am seeking the office of Parliamentarian of AAJ because I believe in our mission. I am committed to the work and to our members, and to our fight to protect the right of all Americans to trial by jury.
“I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” – Thomas Jefferson
AAJ demands and deserves strong leaders who can adapt and persevere at a time when the civil justice system is under attack. As an elected member of the Executive Committee of AAJ and a Past President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., I know firsthand how to help guide our group toward the future. As a Past-Chair of AAJ’s New Lawyers Division and its Membership Oversight Committee, I know what it takes to increase our membership and bring new, young, and hungry attorneys into our organization, and what tools they will need to take up the fight against injustice.
But I also know what it takes it win. I’ve been recognized by multiple organizations for my work on behalf of plaintiffs and the justice system – including AAJ, as a recipient of:
- Barry J. Nace Trial Lawyer of the Year, Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC (2023)
- AAJ Pro Bono Award (2002)
- Howard Twiggs Award (2021)
- Joe Tonahill Award (2019)
- Distinguished Service Award (three-time recipient)
- Wiedemann Wysocki Award
- Heavy Lifting Award
I am the current president of the National Civil Justice Institute (formerly Pound Civil Justice Institute), a non-profit organization “dedicated to ensuring access to justice for ordinary citizens.” For fifteen years I have been a member of the Board of Directors of the Public Justice Foundation as well.
At every turn, I have committed myself to fighting for the injured and empowering a new generation of attorneys to do the same.
“Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society.” – John Lewis
AAJ plays a vital role in protecting the civil justice system and our practices. Now more than ever, trial lawyers need a strong AAJ to combat the attacks against our civil justice system. Sweeping “tort reform” legislation in Florida takes power away from the people and puts it in the hands of insurance companies. Kentucky and Iowa are putting caps on damages, and the Georgia Supreme Court recently upheld its cap on punitive damages. Across the country, you’re seeing legislation that limits how much relief plaintiffs can seek, where they can file their lawsuits, and who can be held accountable.
In short, we’re watching states chip away, piece by piece, at the foundation of civil justice in this country: the right to a fair jury trial.
AAJ has been at the heart of the battle for justice for almost 80 years. As times change and the legislators get more “creative” in their ways of whittling down the system, AAJ will need leaders who are willing to fight fire with fire, and who are committed to ensuring that everyone across America will have access to the justice system enshrined in our Constitution.
That is why I am asking for your support as I seek the office of Parliamentarian of the American Association for Justice, so I can continue our fight now and in the future.
