MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As Alabama rings in the new year, a new group has launched with plans to advocate for “fairness and balance” in the state’s judicial system, specifically when it comes to civil lawsuits and jury trials.
Alabamians for Legal Reform announced its incorporation on Wednesday in a press release, saying it will combat “lawsuit abuse” through grassroots efforts statewide.
Harrison Proctor, who previously served as counsel for government affairs at Protective Life, will be the group’s executive director.
“An unpredictable civil justice system can have a negative impact on communities and adversely affect local jobs, economic growth and other quality of life issues,” Proctor said in the announcement. “A fair and consistent civil justice system strengthens local economies, protects hardworking Alabamians, and provides the stability local businesses need to invest in their communities. I am honored to lead ALR and look forward to working with leaders across Alabama to ensure our civil justice system promotes fairness and balance for everyone.”
The new website characterizes Alabamians for Legal Reform as “a coalition of everyday Alabamians, small business owners, grassroots organizations, trade associations, and business groups dedicated to the long term effort of reforming Alabama’s legal climate.”
The site also features news stories on tort issues, including the recent case out of Clarke County in which a $160 million verdict was awarded by a local jury against Daimler Trucks of North America, a sister company of one of Alabama’s largest employers in Mercedes Benz US International.
D. Franklin III, general counsel of Birmingham-based Vulcan Materials, is among the group’s board members. He said the tort climate in Alabama is in need of correction.
“Lawsuit abuse creates real costs that ripple through Alabama’s economy,” Franklin said. “Every dollar a small business must spend on avoidable legal fees or higher insurance premiums is a dollar that cannot be used in a local community to hire employees, improve benefits, expand operations, or support the local economy. Harrison understands these challenges and will be a strong advocate for a balanced system that treats everyone fairly.”