THE HISTORY OF THE INNER CIRCLE OF ADVOCATES

The Inner Circle of Advocates was conceived by Tucson, Arizona Attorney Richard Grand on May 24, 1972 when he decided there was a need for an organization made up of the most skilled plaintiffs attorneys to share information about their work. Richard created the logo, which represents a seven figure verdict of $1 million or more. He decided that at least one million dollar verdict and the completion of fifty personal injury cases were the threshold for membership. Total membership was to be limited to fifty members. These same qualifications apply today, with two changes -- members must now have at least three verdicts in excess of $1 million or one verdict in excess of $10 million with the most recent verdict being no more than five years old, and the membership total has been increased to one hundred members.

Richard made contact with lawyers around the country who appeared to be qualified. The first meeting was held on June 26, 1972 in San Francisco and eleven lawyers showed up. They all sat at a round table and began an exchange of questions and ideas. This became the first Inner Circle round table session. By the end of 1972 membership had grown to twenty members. Within a short time membership reached the maximum level and remained at full capacity to this date. Richard points out that:

"My goal was an organization of highly experienced plaintiffs attorneys who were willing to share information about experts, techniques and whatever it took to be a great trial lawyer. I think this goal has been consistently achieved since the organization was created."

Inner Circle of Advocates members believe that by achieving justice for their clients, they also achieve changes for the good of society as a whole.