WASHINGTON, D.C.—Judge Peggy Ableman received the 2013 Judicial Leadership Achievement Award at the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform’s (ILR) 14th Annual Legal Reform Summit today for her contributions to making America’s civil justice system simpler, fairer, and faster for everyone.
“We are excited to honor Judge Ableman with our Judicial Leadership Achievement Award,” said Lisa A. Rickard, president of ILR. “Judge Ableman has proven herself to be a strong principled leader, both on and off the bench.”
In particular, ILR recognized Judge Ableman’s service as a state trial judge for 29 years, first on the Delaware Family Court and later on the Superior Court of Delaware. While on the bench, she authored hundreds, if not thousands, of judicial opinions addressing civil, criminal, and appellate matters. She concluded her tenure on the Superior Court as presiding judge of the state’s large asbestos docket. In that role, she issued many detailed written opinions, in an area of the law where written decisions had previously been the exception rather than the rule.
Since leaving the bench, she has continued to be a strong leader on civil justice issues. In particular, she has spoken strongly about the need to fight fraud and abuse in asbestos litigation. The Annual Legal Reform Awards honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding work has contributed to reforming America’s civil justice system.
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.
