Washington, D.C.—John Abegg, longtime chief counsel for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, will become the executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR). Abegg will provide advocacy, strategy, policy guidance, and management expertise to support ILR’s comprehensive program aimed at improving the nation’s litigation climate. 

Abegg replaces Harold Kim as executive vice president, following Kim’s promotion to chief operating officer.

“John’s hiring makes a strong ILR team even stronger,” said ILR’s president Lisa A. Rickard. “He brings extensive experience, knowledge, and leadership that will significantly advance ILR’s ongoing work.”

“John has been one of the Hill’s most effective and well respected lawyers for almost 20 years,” continued Rickard. “John’s vast knowledge of legal reform will ensure that ILR is equipped to take on new challenges as leading advocates for the business community.”
 
Abegg served as Leader McConnell’s chief counsel, managing the passage of multiple important civil justice reforms, including class action reform. He also oversaw the judicial confirmation process, including for the last six Supreme Court justices.

Prior to working in Leader McConnell’s office, Abegg served as legal advisor to a Federal Election Commissioner, clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and was in private practice for five years.  

Abegg received his J.D. cum laude from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and his B.A. from Indiana University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. 

Lisa A. Rickard will continue to serve as president of ILR, a role she has served in since 2003. She plays a significant role in maintaining ILR’s position as a comprehensive, multifaceted global legal reform champion with cutting-edge legislative advocacy, communications, and voter education initiatives.