ABOTA COVID-19 Task Force Releases Guide For Conducting Jury Trials During Pandemic

The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) COVID-19 Task Force has published a comprehensive guide to conducting civil jury trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The white paper, Guidance for Conducting Civil Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Pandemic, is a legal resource to address the process of reopening courts and the many issues faced by the courts, the legal community, jurors and the public.

“This paper should be considered a tool, not a mandate, ” said Steven W. Quattlebaum, ABOTA COVID-19 Task Force Chair and a Managing Member of Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC. “Our primary concern was the administration of civil trials while addressing concerns for COVID-19. We hope this serves as a resource to reopen the courts and facilitate access to justice for all.”

Mr. Quattlebaum said the white paper will provide judges with a resource that addresses the multiple and complex issues courts face as civil jury trials are contemplated during this epidemic.

Founded in 1958, ABOTA is an invitation-only national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  Membership consists of more than 7,600 lawyers – equally balanced between plaintiff and defense – and judges in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

A founding member of Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC, Mr. Quattlebaum’s primary areas of practice are complex business, toxic tort, and products liability litigation.