WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), made the following statement today about the U.S. House of Representatives passing the “Fraudulent Joinder Prevention Act of 2015” (H.R. 3624):

“Plaintiffs’ lawyers routinely game the legal system by naming local defendants in large lawsuits in order to keep a case in a friendly state court to sue the larger intended targets.

“Congress’ action today sends a loud message that this manipulation of our courts must stop. Federal judges should have the power to stop this gaming of the system for plaintiffs’ lawyer profit.

“We commend the House for passing this important legislation and urge the Senate to do the same.”

ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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