Institute for Legal Reform (ILR)

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ILR Research

101 Ways to Improve State Legal Systems

ILR has released a comprehensive compendium of legal reform options for implementation by state legislatures, which allows legal reform leaders to modify their approach based on the unique policy and political landscape of their state.

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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Striking Down Medical Liability Reforms Another Blow to Illinois' Poor Lawsuit Climate

Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), made the following statement on the February 4th ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court which struck down the state's medical malpractice law:

"Today's ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court is yet another blow to the state's reputation as a haven for lawsuit abuse. This decision only benefits the plaintiffs' lawyers who have long preyed upon doctors, hospitals and other health care providers in the state. Patients are the losers in this case.

"The court's decision is also a repudiation of Illinois' duly-elected legislature, which passed these vital liability reforms under intense pressure from their constituents in order to protect access to quality health care for their citizens."

Key Research

At the annual Legal Reform Summit, ILR released “Selling Lawsuits, Buying Trouble: The Emerging World of Third-Party Litigation Financing in the United States,” a paper outlining the problems associated with third-party litigation financing and calling for the outright prohibition of the system in the U.S. or, at the very least, a ban on third-party financing in aggregate litigation.

Download the paper (PDF)

News Headlines

Toyota Slams ABC Report on Pedals
Wall Street Journal | March 9, 2010
Freed gadfly lawyer Lerach warns of more Wall St fraud
Reuters | March 9, 2010
Va. Senate panel kills bill that would shield business from asbestos lawsuits
Washington Post | March 9, 2010
Shareholders Cry Conflict of Counsel in Class Action Over Merck Merger
Law.com | March 8, 2010
Fla. Insurance Case Could Set Precedent for Hurricane Claims
Law.com | March 8, 2010

Today's News

The Insurance Journal writes that global warming litigation will “continue to proliferate and possibl[y] increase exponentially,” creating significant costs for defendants.

A lawyer who served in the Clinton White House calls for a compromise on medical malpractice reform. Read more in the WSJ Law Blog.

ILR in the News

Overlawyered highlights ILR’s Most Ridiculous Lawsuit of the Month poll. The February poll includes the story of a woman who filed a paternity suit against actor Keanu Reeves for $3 million, alleging that he used hypnosis to tamper with the results of DNA testing.