The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is an invitation only organization of experienced civil jury trial lawyers, drawn equally from the plaintiff side and the defense side, who have been vetted with judges and peers and confirmed to have the highest level of skill, civility, and professionalism.  ABOTA is dedicated to preservation of the right to jury trial and protection of judicial independence.  In support of these objectives, ABOTA sponsors legal skills training for trial lawyers, civics education events for students and teachers, and public education activities aimed at citizens and their elected representatives.