Two-thirds of more than 1,400 top corporate lawyers and executives surveyed by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) say that a state’s lawsuit environment is likely to impact business decisions, including where to locate or expand operations. That is up 10 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 businesses and new jobs as a result of a dysfunctional legal climate,” says ILR President Lisa A. Rickard.

ILR has ranked all 50 states according to the results of its survey, conducted by Harris Interactive¨. The five best state liability environments, beginning with the best, are Delaware, North Dakota, Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa. The five worst state liability environments, starting with the worst, are West Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and California.

ILR has also launched a targeted advertising campaign called Jobs, Not Lawsuits, which includes movie trailers shown on more than 300 movie screens nationwide. The two-minute trailers feature the stories of businesses impacted by costly lawsuits.

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