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 the most effective organization at achieving real civil justice reforms. Period."

Jon Palmer, Corporate Vice President and General Counsel
Microsoft Corporation
"It’s important that every company get involved in the effort to improve the civil litigation landscape. LCJ is at the forefront of those efforts."

Chris Guth, Senior Assistant General Counsel, Bayer
“We joined LCJ because we recognized the importance of working with leading corporate attorneys and leading private practice attorneys on meaningful civil justice reform and improvements to the civil litigation system. ”

Natalie Furniss
Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations & Litigation/Legal
Nationwide Insurance
"LCJ membership allows us to help shape litigation rules and not just react to them."

Lee Mickus
Partner
Evans Fears Schuttert McNulty Mickus
"In house counsel and their outside lawyers who want to be on the front lines of federal civil rules reform should be a part of LCJ."

Barbara Smith Tyson
Partner
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
"LCJ, like no other organization, is at the vanguard of changing the rules for civil procedure."

Tim Pratt
Former Executive Vice President/Secretary & General Counsel
Boston Scientific and Current Emeritus Member of LCJ

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.