Schwartz Quoted in ABA Article on ATLA Name Change

“If a shark called itself a kitten fish, I still would not put my goddaughter in to play with it,”  Partner Victor Schwartz (Washington, D.C.--Public Policy) was quoted as saying in a recent ABA Journal article about the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, which as of December 11, 2006, officially became the American Association for Justice (AAJ).  In “New Name, New Strategies,” AAJ leaders suggested the group will employ more aggressive tactics to “demonize” corporations and politicians tied to big business.  Victor added that the AAJ, moving beyond attempts to thwart tort reformers, is looking to “increase their market share, create new markets, especially at the federal level – such as the criminalization of product liability in some circumstances.  That would help their civil cases.”

According to the article, the latest name change is the fourth since the group’s inception.  “I realize these are very smart and sophisticated people,” Victor concluded.  “If the tort reform side sticks to its old playbook, these people could have some success.  They’re not just changing their name, they’re changing the definition of the debate.”   To view the article, please click here.