Statement of Lisa A. Rickard, president, U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, on the plaintiffs’ trial lawyer legislative agenda and goals for 2009:

“Only a few days into the new Congressional session, the plaintiffs’ lawyers wasted no time in issuing their wish list for 2009. While the U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports President-elect Obama’s efforts to revitalize the economy and put people back to work, America’s plaintiffs’ lawyers instead want the new Administration to help them bring more lawsuits and create a new White House ‘Lawsuit Czar.’

“As we deal with the financial crisis, now is not the time to place a greater drag on the economy by expanding our nation’s lawsuit system.

“Instead of coming up with proposals to benefit our economy, the trial lawyers’ first proposal is a stimulus package for themselves—legislation and calls for executive action aimed at creating more litigation and more legal fees.

“America cannot sue its way out of this recession. More lawsuits won’t create more jobs, help consumers or rebuild America’s infrastructure.

“Now is the time for all of us to work together in America’s interest, and not in our own narrow self-interests.”

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 more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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