Founded in 1958, the American Board of Trial Advocates is a ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial. ABOTA membership is by invitation only and consists of more than 7,300 lawyers—equally balanced between plaintiff and defense—and judges spread among 95 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Members must have at least five years of active experience as trial lawyers, have tried at least 10 civil jury trials to conclusion and possess additional litigation experience.