We are proud to recognize two outstanding members of our team for their continued leadership and service within the American Association for Justice (AAJ).
Amanda Cryderman, paralegal, was selected by AAJ President John Bey to serve as Chair of the Paralegal Affiliates for the second year in a row. This appointment reflects her dedication to advancing paralegal education, strengthening professional standards, and supporting the vital role paralegals can play in trial practice.
Brian Franciskato received multiple honors this year, including the Richard D. Hailey Distinguished Service Award, a recognition reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to AAJ’s mission. Brian was also recognized for his service as the outgoing Chair of the Membership Oversight Committee and the Products 
Liability Section. At the Board of Governors’ meeting, he was elected to serve a fourth term on the AAJ Executive Committee, underscoring his longstanding leadership and impact within the organization.
We congratulate Amanda and Brian for their continued dedication to AAJ and the legal community. Their service reflects the values we bring to every client and case.
Nash & Franciskato is dedicated to nationwide representation of individuals affected by automobile and trucking accidents, wrongful death, product liability, defective drugs, medical devices, and other serious injuries caused by others. Our mission is to advocate for people whose lives have been disrupted by negligence and unsafe products.
American Association for Justice (AAJ) promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, safeguards victims’ rights—particularly the right to trial by jury—and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. With members worldwide and a network of U.S. and Canadian affiliates involved in diverse areas of trial advocacy, AAJ provides lawyers and paralegals with the information and professio nal assistance needed to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values inherent in the civil justice system. Past results afford no guarantee of future results, and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements
Featured Image: 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients.
