On September 15, Bernard Taylor was inducted as a Fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers at a ceremony in London, England. He joins Alston & Bird attorneys Jud Graves, Neal Batson, Charlie Park, Ron Reid and Sidney Smith as a Fellow in the College. Fellowship in the College is extended only by invitation to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.
Bernard was further honored with the distinction of "Responding to the Charge" on behalf of this year's class of more than 80 trial lawyers. at the induction ceremony. The official “Charge” is given by a tenured Fellow and is followed by the response, which is considered the acceptance speech for all inductees. United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr. was inducted into the honorary fellowship at this year’s meeting. Additional speakers included The Right Honorable Lord Bingham of Cornhill, Senior Law Lord of the United Kingdom, and Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney General of Great Britain. In his comments, Bernard spoke about the love and joy his work bring to him, “We all know that when we look into our hearts we are forced to admit that we are trial lawyers because we love it. We love it because our work brings us great joy…. There is certainly the joy of winning for our clients. The joy of being an able advocate for the downtrodden. The joy of mentoring others. The joy of sharing the benefits of our good fortune.” Click here to see the full text of his speech and the announcement of his induction.
“We are very proud that this premier professional trial organization has recognized Bernard as one of the best trial attorneys in America. Induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers is considered one of the most significant achievements in a legal career,” said Ben Johnson, Alston & Bird’s Managing Partner. Although there are currently more than 5,000 Fellows across the United States and Canada, membership can never be more than one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. In Georgia, there are currently 147 Fellows practicing law. Membership is limited to only those trial lawyers who are unquestionably and eminently qualified, in addition to being regarded as the best in their state/province.
About the American College of Trial Lawyers
Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers is an honorary association comprised of experienced trial lawyers in the United States and Canada who have mastered the art of advocacy and adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism. The College is dedicated to furthering the administration of justice and improving the ethics and standards of the trial profession. The College’s Fellowship represents all branches of trial practice, enabling the organization to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice. The organization’s current membership includes 5,400 lawyers and Judicial Fellows. For more information, visit www.actl.com.