The American Association for Justice is bringing its 2027 Winter Convention back to New Orleans from February 26 through March 2. The five-day convention is one of the largest annual gatherings of civil plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States and features trial advocacy training and plaintiff-specific litigation strategies through the association’s specialized caucuses and committees.
The AAJ Winter Convention Explained
The AAJ, headquartered in Washington, DC, is the national professional association for plaintiff trial lawyers. Its Winter Convention is the mid-year counterpart to the Annual Convention held each summer.
The programming falls into three categories. First, CLE sessions are split between an Advocacy Track and a Specialized Track, all developed and taught by practicing plaintiff attorneys. Second, advocacy updates covering legislative and regulatory changes that affect civil justice. Third, the “homecoming”: across section meetings, litigation group work sessions, and a full calendar of caucus receptions, the AAJ’s section, caucus, and litigation group leadership meet alongside rank-and-file members.
New Orleans last hosted the Winter Convention in 2020. Last year’s event was held in San Diego. It is scheduled to take place in Palm Springs next year, with Phoenix on deck for 2029.
Convention Dates and the Marriott New Orleans Venue
The 2027 Winter Convention will take place from Friday, February 26, to Tuesday, March 2, at the Marriott New Orleans on Canal Street. The hotel is located right at the edge of the French Quarter.
Pre-convention programming, including the Leadership Academy session, starts one day earlier on Thursday, February 25.
AAJ has a block of rooms at the Marriott for attendees. The deadline for booking rooms at the discounted rate is February 3, 2027. There is a limit of 3 rooms per group under one name. Attendees can cancel a room reservation 72 hours prior to their arrival date.
Registration Pricing and What’s Included
The rates depend on your AAJ membership status, member tier, how long you’ve been barred, and when you register. Advance rates are available until December 11, 2026.
At full rate,
- The Attorney Total Package ranges from $1,705 (barred less than one year) to $2,145 (over 10 years)
- The Education-Only package is $1,540
- The Paralegal and Legal Administrator package is $1,225.
A weekend-only rate of $1,250 and a daily on-site rate of $850 are also available at advance rates.
First-timers barred 10 years or fewer get 50% off the full registration rate. Groups of three or more from the same firm receive 10% off when they register at the same time.
A 10% cancellation fee will apply to refunds issued by December 4, 2026. That jumps to 50% from December 5 through January 8, 2027. After January 8, no refunds will be issued. Substitutions with another AAJ member from the same firm are permitted at any time for confirmed, paid registrants. Requests must be submitted in writing.
Guest registration ($500) covers spouses, partners, or adult family members attending socially. Guests cannot register independently and must be non-business attendees.
The Faculty: Who’s Taking the Stage in New Orleans?
The AAJ’s Winter Convention CLE programs are designed by plaintiff lawyers for plaintiff lawyers. The faculty draws from AAJ’s own ranks: section chairs, litigation group leaders, and nationally recognized trial attorneys who bring firsthand courtroom experience to the stage.
Who speaks at the AAJ Winter Convention?
Faculty members are practitioners from AAJ’s 21 Sections and 100+ Litigation Groups. They are selected for their subject-matter depth and active caseload experience. AAJ describes its faculty as “nationally renowned” and its programming as “cutting-edge legal training taught by the best trial lawyers in the country.”
What topics does the faculty cover?
The 2027 convention tackles AI and its ethical implications for trial practice, traumatic brain injury, environmental and toxic torts, rideshare and sexual assault cases, jury selection through verdict strategy, and corporate representative depositions. A full-day pre-convention seminar takes on premises liability.
Where can I see the final 2027 speaker list?
Check the specific program pages closer to the Convention dates. You can also check the AAJ education page, where the names of the speakers are published within the session detail dropdowns as they’re confirmed.
The Pre-Convention Premises Liability Blueprint Seminar
The AAJ will run a standalone CLE seminar on Friday, February 26: “The Premises Liability Blueprint: From Investigation to Verdict.” It’s a full-day seminar covering (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) the lifecycle of a premises liability case: investigation, pleading, discovery, expert retention, mediation, trial strategy, and verdict.
Separate registration is required for this seminar. If you’re already registered for the Winter Convention, you can email the AAJ to add it. If you haven’t registered yet, bundle it in during checkout on the AAJ registration portal.
The seminar is ideal for attorneys actively building a premises liability practice or for anyone who wants a focused one-day CLE program before the broader Convention programming begins on Saturday.
The AAJ states that it has filed for CLE/MCLE credit in the appropriate jurisdictions and that the total available credit hours may vary. In many jurisdictions, final approval is not available prior to the program and contingent upon approval from state bars and/or MCLE boards.
Day-by-Day: How the 5-Day Convention Unfolds
The AAJ Winter Convention follows a predictable structure, repeating each day with different caucuses, groups, and themed events anchoring each evening’s networking events. Programming starts at 7:30 AM. There are midday breaks followed by the afternoon section and litigation group work, with evening receptions rounding off the day.
Thursday, February 25: Leadership Academy Pre-Day
AAJ Leadership Academy session is from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (continues Friday). No CLE sessions. This day is limited to participants in AAJ’s leadership development program.
Friday, February 26: Welcome Day
Leadership Academy continues (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM). The Premises Liability Blueprint Seminar is from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (separate registration). Registration desks, the PAC Booth, and the Speaker Ready Room open at 2:00 PM.
The evening receptions start early and run back to back. The First-Time Attendee Network Session begins at 4:00 PM, followed by the Stalwart/Hall of Fame Welcome Reception at 5:00 PM, the WTLC Welcome Reception from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and the New Lawyers Division (NLD) Welcome Reception from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Saturday, February 27: Day One of Main Programming
Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group (Specialized Track, 8:30 to 11:30 AM) and the AI in Law course (Advocacy Track, 8:30 to 11:55 AM). The Exhibit Experience is from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The PAC Eagles and Falcons Breakfast Reception is at 8:30 AM. Afternoon section receptions follow at 3:00 PM, and the Opening Reception is from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Sunday, February 28: Day Two of Main Programming
Advocacy Track covers Impactful Verdicts (8:30 to 11:30 AM); Specialized Track covers Environmental and Toxic Torts (same window). The Women Trial Lawyers Caucus (WTLC) Brunch is from 10:00 AM to noon. The National Civil Justice Institute Reception is at 4:30 PM, and the NLD Party closes out the night from 9:00 PM to midnight.
Monday, March 1: Day Three of Main Programming
Specialized Track sessions on rideshare/gig litigation and sexual assault litigation (8:30 to 11:30 AM). Advocacy Track covers jury connection and corporate representative depositions (8:30 AM to 12:15 PM). The LGBT Reception is from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, followed by the Joint Reception hosted by Public Justice and the AAJ Minority Caucus from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.
Tuesday, March 2: Closing Day
Final Advocacy Track 30(b)(6) Deposition Skills (8:30 to 11:50 AM). The Board of Governors meets from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, with the Board of Governors Reception closing the convention (5:00 to 6:00 PM).
The CLE Opportunity at AAJ Winter 2027
How many CLE credits does AAJ Winter offer?
AAJ convention CLE programs are accredited across all 50 states, though the number of credits awarded can vary depending on your state bar’s approval of individual sessions.
Which state bars accept AAJ Winter CLE?
Approval is handled on a state-by-state basis, although AAJ Education programs are routinely accredited by states requiring continuing legal education. In many jurisdictions, final approval is not available prior to the program and contingent upon approval from state bars and/or MCLE boards.
How do I claim my CLE credits after the Convention?
After the convention, AAJ provides certificates of attendance and credit worksheets for every session you attended, which you should submit before you leave an education program.
Decoding the Caucuses, Sections, and Litigation Groups
First-time attendees can sometimes be overwhelmed by the wall of acronyms, so here’s a quick primer on the three internal structures:
Sections are AAJ’s practice-area divisions. There are 21 in total. They connect members with leading practitioners and focus on trial techniques, litigation strategy, and networking within a defined practice area. Section meetings at the Winter Convention typically run mornings into early afternoon, Saturday through Tuesday.
Litigation Groups zero in on specific case types or corporate defendants. There are over a hundred of them, and the range is wide: asbestos, bad faith insurance, rideshare, Zantac, and everything between. Membership in a litigation group gives you access to the pooled knowledge and case experience of colleagues working the same docket. At the convention, litigation group meetings run alongside section meetings, with dedicated afternoon receptions on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Caucuses are identity-based affinity groups focused on professional development, mentorship, and community. The caucuses with the largest Winter Convention footprint are:
- the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus (Welcome Reception on Friday, Brunch on Sunday)
- the New Lawyers Division (Welcome Reception on Friday, Party on Sunday night)
- the AAJ Minority Caucus (Joint Reception with Public Justice on Monday)
- the LGBT Caucus (Monday reception)
New attendees should start at the First-Time Attendee Network Session on Friday at 4:00 PM to become oriented before the caucus and section receptions begin.
The Receptions and Social Calendar
AAJ Winter features over a dozen official receptions and networking events. Much of the relationship-building (referral conversations, mentorship connections, litigation group introductions) happens at these gatherings.
First-Time Attendee Network Session (Friday 4:00 PM)
Dedicated orientation for Convention first-timers before the main receptions start.
AAJ Stalwart/Hall of Fame Welcome Reception (Friday 5:00 PM)
Formal welcome by AAJ’s longtime leadership and Hall of Fame honorees.
Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Welcome Reception (Friday 5:00 PM)
WTLC’s opening networking event.
New Lawyers Division Welcome Reception (Friday 6:30 PM)
Focused on NLD-eligible attorneys (early-career practitioners).
AAJ PAC Eagle and Falcons Breakfast Reception (Saturday 8:30 AM)
AAJ political action committee breakfast for Eagle and Falcons donor tiers.
Opening Reception (Saturday 6:00 PM)
The Convention’s main general reception. All attendees are welcome.
Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Brunch (Sunday 10:00 AM)
WTLC Sunday-morning gathering.
National Civil Justice Institute Reception (Sunday 4:30 PM)
NCJI-focused evening reception.
New Lawyers Division Party (Sunday 9:00 PM – midnight)
The Convention’s late-night event. Casual, energetic, dance floor.
LGBT Reception (Monday 4:00 PM)
Hosted by the AAJ LGBT Caucus.
Joint Reception: Public Justice & AAJ Minority Caucus (Monday 6:00 PM)
Joint evening hosted by Public Justice and the Minority Caucus.
Board of Governors Reception (Tuesday 5:00 PM)
Closing reception for AAJ Board members and senior leadership.
Getting to the Marriott New Orleans
The Marriott New Orleans is located at 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, on the border between the Central Business District and the French Quarter.
The nearest commercial airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
A rental car is useful if you’re planning day trips but unnecessary for the convention itself. The Marriott, the French Quarter, and the Warehouse District are all at walking distance from each other.
Lodging Options Around Canal Street and the French Quarter
The Marriott New Orleans is the official convention hotel, and AAJ’s group rate is available through the accommodations page until February 3, 2027. Discounted rooms can sell out before the deadline. There are also dozens of additional hotels within walking distance in both the French Quarter and the Warehouse District, so alternatives exist if the block fills up.
A Trial Lawyer’s Guide to New Orleans
New Orleans doesn’t need much introduction. The restaurant scene alone could provide you with enough options to fill a week, from old-guard Creole institutions to the newer wave of Vietnamese, Caribbean, and contemporary Southern kitchens. You can step out to listen to live jazz every night throughout the French Quarter. The Garden District and Magazine Street are within easy reach of Canal Street.
Securing Your Spot at AAJ Winter 2027
Registration is open now at aajmeetings.mtiley.com/WINTER2027/Register.aspx. Although Early Bird pricing has closed, Advance rates are available until December 11, 2026.
A few things to keep in mind:
- AAJ members should log in with their member credentials at checkout to pull up member pricing automatically.
- The Premises Liability Blueprint Seminar on Friday requires separate registration.
- Make sure to book your accommodation as soon as you register. Rooms at the discounted rate at Marriott (deadline: February 3, 2027) may sell out quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend the Convention without an AAJ membership?
Attending a Convention is an exclusive member benefit provided to certain types of members and their guests: AAJ Regular Members, Paralegal Affiliates, Legal Administrators, Government, Military, Law Students, Law Graduates, Law Professors, Judges, and State and Provincial Trial Lawyers Association Directors and their Staff.
Can I earn ethics CLE at the Winter Convention?
The AAJ applies for ethics credit approval as part of its CLE program filings. All credits are pending approval by state accreditation agencies. The 2027 ethics credit breakdown has not been published yet.
Is there a separate registration for the pre-convention seminar?
Yes. The Premises Liability Blueprint seminar on Friday, February 26, is a standalone program with a separate registration fee. If you’re already registered for the Winter Convention, you can email the AAJ to add it. If you haven’t, you can bundle it during checkout on the main registration portal.
Does AAJ offer a virtual attendance option?
No. The 2027 Winter Convention event pages make no mention of a virtual or hybrid option.
Is Mardi Gras happening during the Convention?
No. Fat Tuesday in 2027 falls on February 9. Carnival season runs January 6 through February 9. The convention starts on February 26. You won’t be competing with parade crowds for hotel rooms or restaurant tables, though the city’s food, music, and nightlife run at full speed year-round.
Hennessey Digital’s Presence at the AAJ Winter Convention
Hennessey Digital supports the work attorneys do to improve the legal system through advocacy and education. The Convention’s trial lawyer attendee base aligns directly with Hennessey Digital’s law firm SEO, PPC, and AI Search services. It has been a fixture on our events calendar for years. The team will be attending the 2027 Winter Convention in New Orleans.
On-site, the team talks about AI-powered search strategies, lead quality, and ROI with firms looking to grow their visibility. Attendees can connect with the Hennessey Digital team at the convention.