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ABOTA is a plaintiff/defendant trial bar invitation only. Have been a member for about 20 years. But have never felt any particular benefit. The yearly dinner was nice – it is enjoyable to see each other. But the covid pause had me reevaluating why I belonged.
Every year they give out a trial lawyer of the year award. Alternating between plaintiff-defendant. This year, for whatever reason I realized there had been at least 10 times ABOTA could have recognized me but hadn’t.
At first I thought, well Karen – how ridiculous that you would think that you should get award and be mad that you didn’t. No polite person would ever give voice to such a thought. How audacious!
Especially for a Hapa woman raised in the 60s – when we were taught not to be forward, not to expect, to do good work, hope we would be recognized, and not be disappointed when the much louder boys got noticed instead.
But that 60s meek attitude is not how you claw up and survive at the top in the paternalistic world of lawyer groups. Plus I was raised by parents who believed that if you didn’t fight for yourself and others, then what was the point.
I confidently battle for my clients against the biggest insurance companies in the world, against the worst odds, secure in the knowledge that I am one of the top plaintiff lawyers in the nation. I have the credentials, the reputation, the string of large jury verdicts to attract clients, to gain the respect of judges, opposing and other plaintiff counsel, and the insurers.
So why would I belong to a state chapter organization, that is disrespecting me. Indeed.
I write the email in honor of mom and dad. And on behalf of the female and minority attorneys who look up to me as a role model. Hit send. And am freed of further wasted thought.
Dear ABOTA WA Chapter Officers:
I am resigning from ABOTA. It is unfortunate that the organization did not recognize me as a plaintiff trial lawyer of the year before I left. But that is your loss not mine.
I wish you the best as you search for young talented diverse trial lawyers who can find meaning, respect and a home in your organization.
Best regards,
karen
Photo: by dad.