Two-thirds of more than 1,400 top corporate lawyers and executives surveyed by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) say a state's lawsuit environment is likely to impact business decisions, such as where to locate or expand operations. That is up ten percentage points from just four years ago.

“With a national unemployment rate of 9.7% and record-high jobless rates in states like California, states can no longer afford to discourage new business and new jobs as a result of a dysfunctional legal climate,” said Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. “States desperately need more jobs, not more lawsuits.”

ILR ranked all 50 states according to the results of its survey, conducted by Harris Interactive®. The survey results were released in conjunction with a new, targeted advertising campaign called “Jobs, Not Lawsuits.” As part of the campaign, movie trailers will be shown on more than 300 movie screens throughout the country. The two-minute trailers feature the stories of businesses that were the subject of costly lawsuits substantially impacting their companies.

To view the complete rankings, please go to www.JobsNotLawsuits.com.

5 Best State Liability Environments
(1) Delaware
(2) North Dakota
(3) Nebraska
(4) Indiana
(5) Iowa

5 Worst State Liability Environments
(50) West Virginia
(49) Louisiana
(48) Mississippi
(47) Alabama
(46) California