Issues Resource Center
Use this Resource Center to explore comprehensive information on civil justice reform issues.
States Resource Center
Learn more about the status of lawsuit abuse and civil justice reform issues in each state.
A New Excuse in Defense of Plaintiffs' Lawyer Misconduct Charges
This seems to be the year of big-time plaintiffs’ trial lawyers facing bad behavior charges. The latest case is the Kentucky Three – wealthy trial lawyers who are now themselves on trial, accused of stealing $65 million from their clients in a diet drug settlement.
During the ongoing – and increasingly bizarre – saga, a new excuse has been articulated by the defense attorney for Melbourne Mills, Jr.: the accused suffered from alcoholism, wasn’t involved in the case and therefore could not be held accountable.
Lawsuit Climate 2008: Where Does Your State Rank?
ILR's annual study ranks the legal fairness of each of the 50 states.
Download Full Harris Survey (PDF)
Best States |
Worst States |
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1 |
50 |
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2 |
49 |
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3 |
48 |
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4 |
47 |
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5 |
46 |
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Lawsuit Climate 2008 Press Conference
At a recent press conference in Baton Rouge, ILR released Lawsuit Climate 2008: Ranking the States. Speakers included Tom Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Maura Donahue, president of DonahueFavret Contractors in Louisiana; and David Krane, Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Research at Harris Interactive.
Photos of the press conference
Legal Reform is a Constant Process, Not a One-Time Event
By Lisa Rickard
Since we began our state ranking in 2002, several states have enacted “tort reform” of various types and to varying degrees of success. The truth is, enacting legal reforms is only the first step. The legal climate is only as good as the willingness of the state’s judiciary to interpret the reforms and to follow them as enacted.
Latest Headlines
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A fresh coat of legal arguments …
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National Law Journal | May 16, 2008 -
Recent Pro-Defendant Trends in Securities …
Law.com | May 16, 2008 -
Cities sue home lenders
USA Today | May 16, 2008
ILR in the News
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Protecting clean energy innovators
Boston Globe -
Corporate Counsel Again Rank Del. Law …
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