The Counsel for the Boston Merchants' Association in 1760 was James Otis Jr., who played a key role in opposing the British writs of assistance in 1761, which in turn inspired the idea of revolution in the colonies.
As a lawyer, Otis represented the merchants who were challenging the legality of the writs of assistance before the Superior Court. These writs allowed British officers to enter any home with no advance notice or reason given, and without having to repay for any damaged property.
