California Supreme Court Decision will Help Contingency Fee Lawyers at the Expense of the State

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Statement of Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, on today’s decision by the Supreme Court of California in County of Santa Clara v. Superior Court (Atlantic Richfield Co) allowing state municipalities to hire outside contingency fee lawyers:

“The California Supreme Court’s decision to allow government entities to partner with private lawyers in contingency fee lawsuits will not only result in more litigation, but will further burden the state’s ability to create jobs and emerge from its worst economic situation since the Great Depression.

“While today’s decision provides more uncertainty for America’s job creators, it gives clarity to the lawsuit industry and plaintiffs’ lawyers looking to expand into a new area of litigation.

“The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform’s 2010 survey ranked California the 46th worst lawsuit climate in the nation. Today’s ruling will only advance California’s reputation as among the worst lawsuit climates in the United States.
“California needs more jobs, not more lawsuits.”

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.

# # #