Christian & Small has five members of the American Board of Trial Advocates: LaBella Alvis, Tom Christian, Edgar Elliott, IV, Richard Ogle and Clarence Small. The primary purpose of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is the preservation of the civil jury trial. Upon nomination, screening and election, ABOTA inducts attorneys who display skill, civility and integrity to help younger attorneys achieve a higher level of trial advocacy and to educate the public about the vital importance of the right to a trial by jury.