Trial Lawyer Influence

In the United States, trial lawyers are extremely influential; they make large campaign contributions in hopes that policymakers will expand liability. Now, they are using their influence outside of the United States as well.

As Brian Murray, a partner at law firm Murray, Frank & Sailer said, “All the fields have been plowed in the United States. If you want to enter new markets, you have to go outside the United States."

Sensing an opportunity to grow their businesses and their profit margins, American lawyers have been actively encouraging foreign countries to implement collective action systems and promoting litigation financing mechanisms like third party funding. In preparation for new collective action legislation, American law firms are opening new offices abroad and building alliances with local lawyers. For details, read ILR’s Examples of U.S. Legal Community Interest in Europe.