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 newsletter keeps you current on Association news, significant case law updates, pending legislation and practice tips.

 •    Website - www.wptla.org includes a wealth of information, research links and news tailored to the busy trial lawyer.

 •    WPTLA Directory - a directory for you to easily access other WPTLA members in Western Pennsylvania. This directory also provides listings of a variety of services for the practicing attorney, as well as useful court information. The next issue of the directory will be published in the first half of 2012.

 •    Legislative Interaction - opportunities to meet and network with legislative leaders from western Pennsylvania.

 •    WPTLA President’s Scholarship Essay Contest - an annual program for western Pennsylvania high school students (excludes Allegheny County). Three $1,000.00 scholarship awards are presented at the annual Judiciary Dinner.

 •    WPTLA President’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk/Wheel - this annual event, scheduled for September 17, 2011, will mark our 11th consecutive yearly race.  To date we have raised $223,000.00 for the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, a wheelchair sports program for the physically challenged/.

 •    Continuing Legal Education - seminars providing CLE credits on practical issues of concern to trial lawyers.  We will continue the “lunch and learn” seminars on trial topics, as well as other programs.  Look for these in upcoming announcements

 •    Judiciary Dinner - a business-formal event honoring the judiciary of Western Pennsylvania and specifically recognizing those judges who have achieved senior status or retired.  This year’s event will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 in Pittsburgh.

 •    Dinner Meetings - an opportunity to hear and discuss points of view with prominent speakers, participate in Association events and network with area plaintiffs’ lawyers, and dine with Judges and Legislators.

 •    Golf Outing - an annual ethics and golf outing at Highland Country Club in Pittsburgh, PA, scheduled tentatively for Friday May 25, 2012.

 •    Habitat for Humanity - WPTLA partners with local Habitat chapters, assisting with the construction of new homes for needy families.  For a few hours on a Saturday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to learn a new skill while giving back to the community.

 •    WPTLA Client Comeback Award - an annual dinner honoring a client of a WPTLA member who has shown rare courage and determination in overcoming a serious disabling injury.  A $1,000.00 check is donated to the charity of the awardee’s choice.  This year's dinner is scheduled for November 15, 2011.

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 2011-2012 year, general membership dues are $125.00.  For those wanting to provide increased support to the Association, please consider membership at either the Governor’s Club level of $185.00 or the President’s Club level of $250.00.  This increased support entitles you to special recognition in The Advocate, our members-only Directory, and the Judiciary Dinner program.  Any new member, as well as all President’s Club members, receives the opportunity to earn 3 CLE credit hours for the year, at no additional cost.  Our distinguished President’s Club members also receive a plaque acknowledging their support of WPTLA. 

There is also a non-voting junior membership level for students enrolled in and currently attending a law school, who have an interest in litigation, and lawclerks.  This membership level’s dues are $35.00, and include free admission to the dinner meeting at the LeMont Restaurant in Pittsburgh, as well as publication and scholarship opportunities.  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.