From ATA News Post:

Alabama  Attorney Selected for Membership in Academy of Trial Advocacy 

The Academy of Trial Advocacy (ATA) is pleased to announce that Gulf Coast attorney Mark Wolfe has become a member of the organization. The organization is limited to 1000 members and Wolfe is only the second lawyer in Alabama to qualify for membership. The ATA members are lawyers who represent consumer and injury victims. Not only are members required to have extensive litigation and trial experience, but they also must have had articles published in legal journals, taught continuing education courses for other lawyers in the area of trial advocacy, handled significant or important appellate issues, been involved in public education activities regarding the legal system and been active in charitable activities.

John Leighton, a Miami attorney who is the chairman of ATA, said the organization wants as members lawyers who have demonstrated skill in the courtroom but also excelled in other areas such as public service, teaching, writing and advocating issues on behalf of consumers and injury victims. "Simply put, ATA looks for the best of the best. We want members who are deeply committed to protecting the rights of consumers and injury victims," said Leighton. Wolfe, who was nominated for membership by New Jersey attorney, Larry Simon and sponsored by fellow Alabama lawyer Greg Cusimano of Gadsden, said ATA membership appealed to him for several reasons. "The main thing I liked was the ATA has no membership fees or dues. Day in and day out we receive material from one group or another who want you to ‘buy your way’ into a superlative name or title. This is not the case with the ATA," he said. "Also, when I looked at the criteria for membership I realized this organization was looking for people who not only have courtroom and trial experience but who are truly committed to helping the people who we represent. I am very proud to be a member of ATA and I look forward to continuing to help consumers and injury victims in our area," he said. Wolfe is a partner in the law firm of Moore & Wolfe located in Mobile, Alabama.