Today’s New York Post editorial.  We couldn’t agree more.

Those of us who work in and around the State Capital are often asked if the media reports and our whining are really exagerations.  As today’s (June 18, 2010) New York Post’s editorial points out, it really is that bad.  In a State without a budget and without a plan to pay its bills in the future, New York’s leaders are looking for a way to give more money to the personal injury trial lawyers.

Click here to see the article.

Here’s an article from Crain’s New York Business which points to the fact that Governor’s proposals to fix the medical malpractice program still don’t include tort reform.

Check out this article in the New York Post arguing — again — that New York adopt commonsense lawsuit reform.

Today’s New York Times reports on the troubling trend of donations to AG candidate Kathleen Rice from individuals and organizations connected to Weitz & Luxenberg — known here in the Capitol as “Speaker Silver’s law firm.”

Note, also, the quote from NYLR: 

Jon Pierce, a spokesman for New Yorkers for Lawsuit Reform, an advocacy group supported by business leaders and doctors’ groups, criticized Weitz & Luxenberg’s donations to the Rice campaign. “This is another example of the trial lawyers in New York State trying to increase their already significant influence in Albany,” Mr. Pierce said.

Company: 

New Yorkers for Lawsuit Reform

Location: 

Albany, NY

Position: Executive Director, New Yorkers for Lawsuit Reform, a broad-based coalition that seeks to implement comprehensive tort reform in the State of New York (www.nylawsuitreform.org/ ).

Duties: 

• Define the agenda and gain buy-in from stakeholders for comprehensive tort reform. 
• Present multi-year strategic plans to meet stated objectives and goals. 
• Chief spokesperson for coalition on issues;
• Advocate before all branches of government;
• Effective interaction and regular presence at NY State Capitol;
• Maintain strong relationships with national tort reform groups; 
• Raise funds to support tort reform efforts in New York;
• Manage staff and as well external resources;
• Administer annual budget;
• Foster membership growth through a mix of public relations and grassroots activities, including the recruitment of local champions for tort reform. 

Qualifications: 

• Management, administrative and budget experience;
• Highly skilled in government relations/legislative advocacy and issues management;
• Highly organized, creative, resourceful, able to set priorities, develop consensus among diverse group of members;
• Skilled in media outreach, legislative testimony, written and oral communications;
• Strong track record of running a member organization preferred;
• Fundraising experience would also be a plus. 

Compensation:  Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.  Applicants may send confidential inquiry and resume to jobs@nylawsuitreform.org  All inquiries will be kept confidential.  NYLR is an equal opportunity employer.

New Yorkers for lawsuit Reform (NYLR) has a new office phone number:  518-533-5363.  If you need to reach anyone at NYLR, please give us a call!

NYLR has issued a memo in opposition to S.7035 (Schneiderman)/A.2874 (Weinstein).  The bill would for the first time impose interest costs of 9% upon defendants for post settlement delay due solely to conduct beyond the control of the defendant.  The bill would add additional costs to a tort system which is rated as one of the worst in the United States.  The State, its municipalities, not-for-profits, health providers and businesses simply cannot afford to add costs to a system which in comparison to our sister states is already broken.

Click here to see and download NYLR’s full memorandum in opposition.

New Yorkers for Lawsuit Reform applauds Assemblyman Ortiz’ recent bill introduction (A.10695) which will set a new fee schedule for personal injury trial lawyers depending on the size of the judgement.  Click here to see a copy of the full NYLR news release.

This bill is an important step in helping to get monies to the victims and, in cases like the settlement of the September 11 claims, will help expedite such settlements.  A Federal Court judge recently overturned a settlement agreement in the September 11 case because it would have — among other things — provided more than $200 million to trial lawyers instead of the families of the victims and the heroes.