About LCJ

Lawyers for Civil Justice is an advocacy organization whose members – respected companies, leading law firms, and distinguished defense bar organizations – support reform of procedural litigation rules to further “the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding,” as stated in Rule 1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Through collaborative engagement by in-house and outside counsel, LCJ develops and advocates for reform proposals that improve the efficiency and fairness of the U.S. civil litigation system.

LCJ’s reputation for expertise and effectiveness is built on the knowledge and experience of our members’ attorneys, who are unrivaled in their understanding of trial and appellate advocacy. Because LCJ’s primary focus is on judicial rulemaking, rather than legislative, our work is insulated from the uncertainties of partisan politics and is driven instead by our thorough research, expert analysis, and reasoned advocacy. LCJ serves as an incubator for cutting-edge ideas about the future of litigation and develops those ideas into concrete rules amendment proposals that address the most urgent problems and emerging opportunities in civil litigation.

“LCJ is a powerful partnership of corporate defense counsel and defense trial lawyers WHO DEVELOP AND ADVOCATE FOR MEANINGFUL improvements to the rules governing civil litigation. [BUT] The value of LCJ MEMBERSHIP IS having a seat at the table in the crafting of proposals and the development of advocacy strategies. IN ADDITION, LCJ delivers direct and tangible returns on member investments by providing regular opportunities to collaborate with other leading counsel, highly relevant and insightful programming at twice-yearly meetings, and meaningful leadership opportunities for the CORPORATE AND defense bar’s rising stars.”

Jon Palmer, Corporate Vice President and General Counsel
Microsoft Corporation
"Lawyers for Civil Justice is the preeminent advocate for procedural rule reform. By bringing together thoughtful in-house lawyers from a variety of industries, and experienced trial counsel from around the country, LCJ has a well-earned reputation for formulating and achieving meaningful improvements to the civil justice system. Walgreens is very pleased to be part ICJ's collaborations and successes."

Michael Freeman, Vice President, Litigation, Employment and Regulatory Law
Walgreens Co.
“LCJ is a powerful partnership of corporate defense counsel and defense trial lawyers in support of meaningful reforms that bring fairness and reason to the court rules that govern civil litigation. At a time when the federal legislative process is so challenging, LCJ continues to be effective in identifying emerging issues and attaining meaningful rules reforms that enhance efficiency and fairness in litigation. LCJ’s mission meshes with Ford’s goal to make the mandate of Rule 1—a just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding, a reality. More rules-based reform is possible, and indeed is necessary. But to achieve more will take more--more companies committing to LCJ membership, and more companies participating in the rule-making process with in-house 'sweat equity' and leadership”

Douglass Lampe
Counsel
Ford Motor Company

Who We Are

LCJ members are knowledgeable and skillful advocates who share a commitment to improving civil litigation. In our collaborative environment, in-house and outside counsel work together to identify burdensome and unbalanced procedures and to fashion rule-based solutions. The thoughtfulness of our members and skillfulness of their advocacy have built LCJ’s solid reputation for excellence and an impressive track record of effectiveness.

LCJ has been effective in leading defense bar advocacy on civil litigation rules since our founding in 1987. LCJ and our members have had a meaningful impact on a wide range of procedural rule reforms, including proportionality of discovery (FRCP 26(b)(1)), remedies for spoliation (FRCP 37(e)), waiver of attorney-client privilege (FRE 502), organizational depositions (FRCP 30(b)(6)), class actions (FRCP 23), and improved practices in the admissibility of expert evidence (FRE 702). Today, LCJ members are advocating for rule amendment proposals addressing multi-district litigation, privilege logs, privacy protection and cyber security, class actions, disclosure of third-party funding agreements, and cost sharing in discovery, among others. LCJ members are actively supporting implementation of corrective expert admission standards in federal courts and are advocating for the adoption of amendments to state expert evidence admission standards consistent with FRE 702.

LCJ’s collaborative approach is attracting a growing roster of like-minded lawyers who want to be part of the success. Twice a year, our members meet in person to explore new topics, generate new ideas, and energize our advocacy efforts. The engagement is extraordinary as LCJ members roll up their sleeves to advance our initiatives, envisage new reforms, and develop the rules that will shape the future. In the words of a recent first-time attendee from a Fortune 500 company, “LCJ meetings are unlike any legal conference I’ve ever been to – it’s like a think tank.”

LCJ’s strong member participation also reflects the collegiality that working on a common cause creates among our corporate and law firm members. Whether at our twice-yearly meetings or as part of our ongoing advocacy work, LCJ provides a unique opportunity to meet and work with the most thoughtful and skilled advocates in the bar.