Three Law School Alumni Admitted to the American College of Trial Lawyers

Three Notre Dame Law School alumni were recently named fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the top legal associations in America. Maureen Reidy Witt, ’80 J.D., Judy D. Snyder, ’73 J.D., and Monty B. Bottom, ’82 J.D., will join the membership — which also includes 30 previously inducted Notre Dame Law School graduates.

Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. According to the organization’s communications manager, Eliza Gano, fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can be considered for fellowship.

“I’m honored, humbled and thrilled to be named a fellow,” said Witt, who is a partner at Holland & Hart. “I’m driven to represent my clients to the best of my ability. It’s an honor to be recognized for doing something that I love.”

Gano said membership in the college cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are approximately 5,800 members in the college, including active fellows, emeritus fellows, judicial fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and honorary fellows.

“The lawyers I have known who are fellows of the college have been role models and mentors to me in my career,” Bottom said. “I respect and admire them. To be included in a fellowship alongside them holds great significance for me.”

The College strives to improve and elevate the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the trial profession Gano said.

Reidy, Witt and Bottom will be formally inducted into the college later this month in Philadelphia.