LOS ANGELES : Lawyer Group Alters Name to Reflect Consumer Bent

The Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Assn. announced this week that it is changing its name to Consumer Attorneys Assn. of Los Angeles.

A spokesman for the 2,900-member organization said the name change was prompted by survey research showing that more than three times as many people believe a “trial lawyer” represents accused criminals, rather than being someone who represents aggrieved consumers suing corporations or insurance companies.

“We have always been champions for consumer protection,” said the group’s president, Bruce Broillet. “With our new name, we will be able to communicate our message to the public.”