How to Become a Member of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association

Updated

The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) provides a "Become a Member" entry point on its website, cttriallawyers.org, which serves as the primary channel for joining the organization. To apply, visit that page to review current membership categories, application steps, required materials, and any associated fees. The association has expanded its membership structure to include a category for legal staff, in addition to its traditional lawyer membership.

What the CTLA Is

The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association is a non-profit professional association. Its stated mission is to create and maintain a more just society by preserving individual rights within the justice system. The organization describes itself as a community built on professionalism, collegiality, and service, with members who volunteer their time and expertise across legislative initiatives, appellate issues, educational programming, and outreach planning.

Membership Categories

Based on the association's own communications, membership is not limited to trial lawyers alone:

  • Attorney members — the core membership base of trial lawyers.
  • Legal staff members — a membership category launched under Immediate Past President Peter Dreyer's tenure, extending membership to legal support professionals.

The "Become a Member" page is the authoritative source for the full list of categories and the criteria that apply to each. If you are unsure which category fits your situation, that page is where the distinctions are defined.

What Membership Involves

The CTLA's leadership has emphasized several priorities that shape the member experience:

  • Educational programming — including webinar programs teaching the fundamentals of trial practice.
  • Legislative and appellate engagement — members contribute to initiatives on these fronts.
  • Fundraising and outreach — members support meaningful fundraising efforts and community outreach planning.
  • Peer connection — the association highlights simple collegial acts, such as answering a colleague's phone call or email, as part of its culture.

Membership growth and new communication methods have been active initiatives, so the benefits and programming available may evolve from year to year.

How to Apply

  1. Go to cttriallawyers.org.
  2. Locate and open the "Become a Member" page.
  3. Review the membership categories to identify the one that matches your role (attorney or legal staff).
  4. Follow the application instructions provided there, and confirm the required materials and any fees before submitting.

The specific application steps, documentation requirements, and costs are set out on the membership page itself and should be confirmed there, since the association does not publish those details in its general communications.

Who to Contact with Questions

The CTLA's officer slate includes the President, President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Parliamentarian. For membership-specific questions, the association's website is the appropriate starting point, as it maintains the current contact and application information.