San Francisco Trial Lawyers - San Francisco, California

Edward M. A.

I was a member of SFTLA for a two or three years. In my opinion, this is an “old boy's club.” Sure, they put women in charge for a year or two, but the organization is very secretive and lack's transparency. They purport to be a plaintiff's oriented organization, but they don't act it.

I tried many times to attend a board meeting, but was never able to. The dates for the board meetings kept changing and/or were not accurate on their website. I e-mailed the organization about this, but nothing changed, unfortunately. In my experience, the ability to attend a board meeting, where decisions about operations are addressed and made, is an important facet of a non-profit. SFTLA purports to be a non-profit, so those meetings are supposed to be open to members. I was a dues-paying member, for years, but that did not matter to this organization.

The other problem with this organization is that they don't take a stance on any important legal issues. They don't take a stance on gun control or pro choice issues. Why? I'm not sure, but I think they are worried about political opinions interfering with their profit. However, a true plaintiff's organization would take a stand on these important issues. Instead, this organization only appears to care about lining its pockets, in my personal opinion. They make so much money, and benefit from so many legal protections achieved by others, you think they would take a stance on important legal issues!

I will say, the staff / administration, is very nice. That's a big plus. However, it's the “old boy's club” lawyers running the show that are the problem.

John R. E.

This is one of the best trial lawyer associations in the country. Its events are well attended by prominent judges and lawyers, and it has an amazing continuing education program. Its staff is great. As a lawyer, I am very grateful to this organization.