American Board of Criminal Lawyers

Established in June 1978 by attorney Nathan Cohn in San Francisco, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers was envisioned as a prestigious national society dedicated to exceptional criminal trial lawyers. Membership is exclusive and granted solely through invitation, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals are recognized within this esteemed fellowship. To qualify for admission, candidates must boast a minimum of 10 years' experience in criminal trial law and have successfully handled at least 50 cases, with 35 being felony jury trials. The ABCL's foremost objective revolves around safeguarding fundamental freedoms for all individuals accused of crimes. Over the years, its distinguished Fellows have taken part in some of the most notable criminal cases across the nation, drawing on both their collective expertise and organizational principles to make impactful contributions to legal defense.