ACTL's First Diversity in the Trial Bar Program

Farella’s Doug Young, a fellow and past president of the American College of Trial Lawyers, participated in ACTL’s first Diversity in the Trial Bar program bringing together its fellows and 50 participants — women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ lawyers — to hone trial advocacy skills. The program, which was made available at no cost for those who required financial support, was initiated during Doug’s ACTL presidency but was postponed during the COVID pandemic. Among the pillars of Doug’s ACTL presidency were advancing the importance of civility in the courtroom, increasing the ranks of talented women and diverse trial lawyers, and supporting the independence of the judiciary. This initial ACTL program addressed the diversity prong in at least two key ways: enhancing diversity among those who advocate and judge in our trial courts and supporting those who advocate in remote geographical areas or in legal systems that are often overlooked or inadequately supported. The initial program was so successful that it likely will be held annually or semi-annually in the coming years and will help to ensure that the rule of law is available everywhere. 

Read about the event in The AmLaw Litigation Daily (subscription may be required).