Reform in Philadelphia: Why Good Judges Matter

Over the past decade, Philadelphia’s courts have gained a reputation for being trial lawyer-friendly and anti-business, earning the city the fifth worst lawsuit climate ranking in the nation and making them a judicial hellhole. Thanks to judges who invited out-of-state plaintiffs to file their cases in the city, Philadelphia courts became the venues of choice for trial lawyers trying to make a quick buck – a dangerous process known as venue shopping.

Fortunately, the legal situation in Philadelphia is changing.

The new Court of Common Pleas Administrative Judge has a new message for greedy out-of-state trial lawyers: “Go elsewhere.” By implementing reforms such as ending the practice of consolidating cases and limiting the number of cases out-of-state attorneys can try in Philadelphia, Philadelphia has provided Philadelphia with an environment where businesses can create jobs, not lawsuits.

This change provides a valuable example of what our nation’s justice system needs: people who are concerned with justice, not greed, and who are willing to take a stand against lawsuit abuse. Let’s hope that other cities with abusive court systems, like Chicago and Los Angeles, follow in Philadelphia’s footsteps!