International Academy Of Trial Lawyers

The Haggard Law Firm partner Wm. Andrew Haggard has held high positions in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

The International Academy of Trial Lawyers was founded in 1954. In general, the purpose of the Academy is to cultivate the science of jurisprudence; promote reforms in the law; facilitate the administration of justice; elevate the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession and cherish the spirit of brotherhood among members.

Active Academy membership is limited to only 500 fellows from the United States. In addition, the Academy includes international fellows from over 40 countries through out the world. Membership is strictly by invitation only and limited to those members of the civil and criminal trial bar who have distinguished themselves as exceptional trial lawyers and fit all the other extensive criterion necessary to be considered for induction.

Members are admitted from both the plaintiff and defendant side of the counsel table in civil law and both prosecution and defense side of criminal law. Trial advocates are only admitted to fellowship in the Academy if their peers and the trial judges in their jurisdiction agree that they have outstanding skill and exceptional ability in trial and appellate practice, have always rendered the highest service and promoted the best interest of the legal profession and, of course, excellent character and absolute integrity.

The Academy is truly international in flavor. Virtually all of its programs are designed to promote and enhance the rule of law through out the world. For many years we were extensively involved in working with the emerging nations of the former Eastern Bloc as they created a rule of law in their respective countries. About five years ago, we shifted our focus to Asia, and particularly to China. Each year we send a delegation of fellows to Beijing at the invitation of the Chinese government and lecture on American legislation, jurisprudence and the rule of law in the United States. In addition, each year we bring 10 Chinese attorneys (high ranking Chinese officials) to the United States to teach them about American law and to live with American families where they can experience US jurisprudence, the trial process and American family life first-hand. This organization is widely regarded as the most exclusive and prestigious trial lawyer groups in the world.