1954, a group of prominent Minnesota attorneys practicing primarily in representing injured individuals realized the value of their informal networking sessions. They decided to formalize their private network meetings by forming the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association. In the beginning, MTLA operated only with a letterhead. Members met a couple of times a year informally, bringing their personal checks to settle up and pay any debts owed by the Association. On April 13, 2007 the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association Membership voted to rename the association to the Minnesota Association for Justice.The mission statement of the Minnesota Association for Justice is:
The Minnesota Association for Justice is dedicated to the Constitution’s guarantee of justice for all.
The Minnesota Association for Justice helps members keep current on emerging topics, issues and trends through high quality seminars, conventions and institutes, as well as invaluable monthly and quarterly publications. Recognizing the importance of protecting consumer rights, the Minnesota Association for Justice impacts critical legislative issues through its effective lobbying efforts. The original purpose of networking continues to be one of the most valuable benefits of the vastly expanded membership of the Minnesota Association for Justice.