U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform Honors Michigan Chamber President for Strengthening State's Legal Climate

Presents 2008 Individual Achievement Award to Jim Barrett

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) today presented the 2008 Individual Achievement Award to Jim Barrett, retired president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, for his success in reforming the state's once hostile litigation environment.

"As a legal reform leader and tireless advocate for the Michigan business community, Jim has distinguished himself in his efforts to improve the state's lawsuit climate," said ILR President Lisa Rickard.

"Michigan once faced a litigation crisis that, due to frivolous lawsuits and unpredictable jury awards, threatened the state's economic well-being," she said. "Recognizing the costs imposed by the state's hostile litigation environment, Jim helped lead the fight for common sense reforms."

Barrett's work resulted in three major legal reform packages passing the state legislature between 1986 and 1996. These reforms led to a decrease in lawsuits, an improvement in the state's business climate, and an increase in the number of physicians and medical specialists in the state.

"We in the legal reform community continue to be grateful that Jim worked hard to get these important measures enacted in Michigan," said Rickard. Noting recent attempts by the trial lawyers' lobby to repeal the reforms, Rickard said. "Now, we can pay him back by making sure those reforms stay on the books."

Barrett received the award at ILR's 9th Annual Legal Reform Summit, which brought together the nation's leading legal reform experts to discuss the problems in the civil justice system and solutions to fix them.

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 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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