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"Rickard, Roberts: Sensible reforms pull WV out of litigation wilderness"

West Virginia’s five spot jump in the newly released Lawsuit Climate Survey is a “serious accomplishment,” said ILR President Lisa A. Rickard and West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) today announced its 2017 Legal Reform Award winners at its 18th Annual Legal Reform Summit. The event, The Litigation Jungle, brings together top experts to explore current lawsuit trends, and features keynote addresses by U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The awards honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding work has contributed to reforming civil justice systems around the globe.

“The Legal Reform Awards honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding work has contributed to making the U.S. civil justice system simpler, fairer, and more efficient for all,” said ILR President Lisa A. Rickard. “Each deserves recognition for helping to protect businesses and citizens alike from the economic damage that comes from an overly litigious environment.”

The five award winners include: 

  • The International Association of Defense Counsel received the Outstanding Alliance Award. The group received the award in recognition of being one of the business community’s strongest and most reliable allies in the fight for legal reform internationally. 
  • Texas House of Representatives Speaker Joe Straus received the State Legislative Achievement Award. Speaker Straus received this award thanks to his key role in enacting reforms to protect small businesses, promote asbestos trust transparency, curb forum shopping, and rein in excessive insurance litigation.
  • William C. Burton of Sagat | Burton LLP received the Individual Achievement Award. Mr. Burton was recognized for his Foundation’s Burton Awards program, which emphasizes achievements in law and encourages excellence in areas from legal writing to legal reforms. 
  • Mary H. Terzino received the Research and Policy Award. This award recognized Ms. Terzino’s devotion to strong research and sound policy on both domestic and international legal reform issues.

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.