Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers (AFTL)
A
few years after the end of
World War II, a group of lawyers from around the state of Florida who primarily
represented injured accident victims formed a small organization called
Negligence and Compensation Lawyers of Florida (NACLAF).
The organization felt that attorneys needed closer
communication, educational opportunities and support from one another.
On May 20, 1961, NACLAF reorganized into the Academy of
Florida Trial Lawyers (AFTL) and consisted of less than 50
members. In 1970 the Academy rented a small office space in Tallahassee,
Florida
and hired its first executive director. Through the years, the Academy has
grown
to a membership of approximately 3,800 and a staff of over 30.
The mission of the Academy became to shift the focus of justice to protect
Florida’s families. The leadership and Academy staff continue this mission
today.