A History of Unwavering Commitment to Justice
In 2018, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice marked 50 years of commitment to preserving civil justice, and dedication to protecting the individuals’ injured in our Commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania Association for Justice (PAJ) was founded in 1968 as the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association when leadership from two ends of the state banded together, recognizing the need for a cohesive and effective statewide organization to uphold and defend the Pennsylvania legal system, including trial by jury.
Shortly after PAJ’s founding, a group of visionary members came together in response to pending no-fault automobile insurance legislation to establish one of the first statewide legislative programs for trial lawyers. Since then, the Association has spearheaded landmark efforts to fight tort reform and other legislative programs targeted at weakening or eliminating the Constitutional rights of citizens.
Headquartered in Harrisburg, leaders, member volunteers, and PAJ’s staff assist plaintiff attorneys in better representing their clients and successfully advocating for the integrity of a robust civil justice system. The Association has continually resisted measures that in other states have closed courthouse doors to those who rely on courtrooms as the last resort to obtain justice.
The strength of the Association is due to the bi-partisan collaboration of its members whose steadfast dedication drive efforts to keep courthouse doors open for all Pennsylvanians.
Our Mission, Objectives, and Diversity
The Mission of The Association shall be to: Promote a fair and effective justice system – and to support attorneys as they work to ensure that any person who is injured by the misconduct or negligence of others can obtain justice in Pennsylvania's courtrooms, even when taking on the most powerful interests.
The objectives of this Association shall be to uphold and defend the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions, to uphold and improve the adversary system; to uphold trial by jury; to promote prompt and efficient administration of justice; to protect and enhance the rights of consumers, workers, family members, the accused, and other individuals; to improve the competency of the trial bar; to protect and promote the independence of the bench and bar; to foster public awareness and understanding of the role of the trial lawyer in the administration of justice; and to provide resources, services, and group benefits for members.
The success of this Association and in the execution of its Mission requires that all members, personnel, and Justice Business Partners be treated fairly and feel respected, accepted, and valued, regardless of their race, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical or mental abilities or disabilities.
PAJ connects trial attorneys throughout the state by:
- Providing online and offline platforms where members can share information on legal and practice developments;
- Organizing Continuing Legal Educational seminars on all aspects of trial practice, case law, and other relevant areas of the law;
- Fostering public awareness of the role of the trial attorney in the administration of justice and protecting every citizen’s Constitutional right to trial by jury.
