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John Leighton Honored by The American Law Institute

We are excited to announce that Attorney John Leighton has been elected as a member of the prestigious American Law Institute.

Founded in 1923, the American Law Institute (ALI) is the leading independent organization in the United States that produces scholarly work to clarify, modernize, and improve the law. ALI achieves this goal through development of institute projects, categorized as Restatements, Codes, or Principles:

Restatements are primarily addressed to courts. Restatements aim at clear formulations of common law and its statutory elements, and reflect the law as it presently stands or might appropriately be stated by a court. There is the intent to reflect the flexibility and capacity for development and growth of the common law.

Principles are primarily addressed to legislatures, administrative agencies, primary actors, or to courts when an area is so new that there is little established law.

Codes, written in prescriptive statutory language, are addressed to legislatures with a view towards legislative enactment.

ALI Projects have a life cycle that takes them from a series of drafts through the process of official final draft approval and publication. Development begins with a series of drafts proposed by the Reporters and reviewed by a project’s Advisers, Members Consultative Group, the Council, and ALI membership. Project participants and the Council have access to Preliminary Drafts, and Council Drafts.

The Tentative Drafts, Discussion Drafts and the Proposed Final Drafts become available to the public after the ALI Annual Meeting. Upon approval, the Tentative Draft represents the most-current statement of the ALI’s position on the subject. It may be cited in briefs or opinions until publication of the official text.

The American Law Institute, the most prestigious organization of academic lawyers, law professors, and judges that wrote the model laws that most states adopt, provides its distinguished members the opportunity to influence development of the law, in both existing and emerging areas.

Members have the opportunity to work with other eminent attorneys, judges, and academics to give back to the profession for which they have a deep dedication, and contribute to the public good.

The ALI recognizes Mr. Leighton as an elected member with more than 33 years’ experience successfully trying major personal injury and wrongful death cases. The ALI notes that Mr. Leighton won some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Florida, helping people who had the worst things happen in their lives.

What is the American Law Institute (ALI)?

The American Law Institute (ALI), founded in 1923, is the leading independent organization in the United States focused on producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize, and improve the law. ALI develops Restatements, Principles, and Codes that serve as authoritative legal references used by courts, legislatures, and legal professionals. Its influence shapes legal understanding and practice across the country, with membership limited to highly respected judges, lawyers, and law professors.

What does it mean to be elected to the ALI?

Election to the ALI is a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional contributions to the legal field. Members are chosen for their professional excellence and dedication to improving the law. They have the opportunity to collaborate with the nation’s foremost attorneys, judges, and academics in shaping the legal landscape. Membership provides a platform for meaningful input into legal reform efforts and public service to the profession.

What kind of projects does the ALI work on?

The ALI works on comprehensive legal publications categorized as Restatements, Principles, and Codes. Restatements clarify existing common law, Principles address emerging areas or those lacking established law, and Codes are written for legislative adoption. Each project undergoes rigorous drafting and review by expert Reporters, advisers, and ALI members, ultimately contributing to legal scholarship and practical application in the courts and legislatures.

What is the process for developing ALI projects?

ALI projects follow a structured lifecycle that begins with Preliminary and Council Drafts created by Reporters and reviewed by Advisers and Members Consultative Groups. These drafts undergo multiple revisions before becoming Tentative Drafts, which are discussed and approved at ALI’s Annual Meeting. Once finalized, these drafts are published and cited as authoritative references in legal briefs, court opinions, and legislation.

Why is John Leighton’s election to the ALI significant?

John Leighton’s election to the American Law Institute is a distinguished recognition of his more than 33 years of legal experience, including trying major personal injury and wrongful death cases. He is acknowledged for achieving some of Florida’s largest verdicts and settlements. His ALI membership not only honors his dedication to the legal profession but also allows him to contribute his expertise to shaping and advancing the law on a national level.

What impact does the ALI have on state and national law?

The ALI has a profound influence on both state and national legal systems. Its Restatements and Principles are frequently cited by courts as authoritative summaries of the law, and its Codes often serve as model legislation adopted by state legislatures. By promoting consistency and modernization in legal doctrines, the ALI helps unify legal standards across jurisdictions and provides clarity for courts and practitioners.

How does John Leighton’s ALI membership benefit his clients?

John Leighton’s involvement with the ALI enhances the depth and breadth of legal insight he brings to his practice. His role in national legal reform efforts reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of legal developments. Clients of Leighton Panoff Law benefit from this high-level engagement, knowing their case is being handled by an attorney recognized by the legal community’s most respected institution for his skill, ethics, and dedication to justice.

Article by:

John Leighton

A nationally-recognized trial lawyer who handles catastrophic injury and death cases. He manages Leighton Law, P.A. trial lawyers, with offices in Miami and Orlando, Florida. He is President of The National Crime Victim Bar Association, author of the 2-volume textbook,Litigating Premises Security Cases, and past Chairman of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s Motor Vehicle, Highway & Premises Liability Section. Having won some of the largest verdicts in Florida history, Mr. Leighton is listed inThe Best Lawyers in America (14 years), “Top Lawyers” in the South Florida Legal Guide (15 years), Top 100 Florida SuperLawyer™ and Florida SuperLawyers (14 years), “Orlando Legal Elite” by Orlando Style magazine, and FloridaTrend magazine “Florida Legal Elite