Become a Member of WPTLA

Your dues provide valuable member benefits and support important activities, events and programs to the trial lawyers of Western Pennsylvania, including:

• The Advocate - Published quarterly, this important resource keeps you current on Association news, significant case law updates, pending legislation, and practice tips.

• WPTLA Directory - We have created a directory for members to easily access other WPTLA members in Western Pennsylvania. This directory also provides listings of a variety of services for the practicing attorney.  All members in 2009-10 will receive a copy.  Dues payments are needed by September 25, 2009 to ensure inclusion in the directory.

• Legislative Interaction - Legislative interaction opportunities.

• WPTLA President's Scholarship Essay Contest - An annual program for Western PA high school students regarding a topic of legal interest.  Three $1,000.00 scholarship awards are presented at the Annual Judiciary Dinner.

• WPTLA President's Challenge 5K Run/Walk/Wheel - This annual event has allowed us to raise in excess of $189,000, benefiting the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, a wheelchair sports program for the physically challenged.

• Continuing Legal Education - Seminars providing CLE credits covering current and topical information.

• Annual Judiciary Dinner - A formal event to honor the judiciary of Western Pennsylvania and to specifically recognize those judges who have achieved senior status.

• Dinner Meetings - An opportunity to hear and discuss various points of view with prominent speakers, participate in Association events and communicate with area attorneys.

• Golf Outing - An annual ethics seminar and golf outing at a local country club.

• WPTLA Client Comeback Award - An annual dinner awarding a client of a WPTLA member who has shown rare courage and determination in overcoming a serious disabling injury.  A $1,000.00 check in donated to their charity of choice.

Membership in WPTLA is limited to members in good standing of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice who reside in or maintain a law practice within one of the counties encompassed by the Federal District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

For the 2009/2010 year, general membership dues are $125.00.  To provide increased support to the Association, membership can be at either the Governor's Level, with a dues payment of $185.00, or the President's Level, with a dues payment of $250.00.  This increased support garners recognition in our quarterly Advocate, the Annual Judiciary Dinner program, and the Annual Directory, with special advantages for our President's Club members.  See the membership form for details. 

First-time members pay only $55.00 for their first year of membership in the Association, with special advantages for their first year.  See the membership form for details. 

Additionally, a non-voting Junior Membership level exists to include students enrolled in and currently attending a law school, and lawclerks.  This membership amount is $35.00 and includes free admission to a specific dinner meeting.  See the membership form for details.

To become a member:

Print our membership form and fill in the required information.  Mail to the address listed on the form, along with your check made payable to "WPTLA".  Your cancelled check will be your receipt.