A coalition of business associations recently gathered to discuss what they believe to be a worsening legal climate in the state of Louisiana.
The Crisis Point luncheon was attended by groups such as Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch, Louisiana Coalition for Common Sense, Grow Louisiana Coalition and Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI). LABI CEO Stephen Waguespack moderated a panel discussion on a variety of topics including how to ensure that the judiciary is filled with qualified judges working toward the best interests of the community's businesses and families.
Lauren Chauvin, LABI's Civil Justice Director, commented on the need for legal reform in the state of Lousiana.
| Lauren Chauvin
"Legal reform has become business’ top issue," Chauvin told Louisiana Record. "We cannot fix this state without fixing our legal climate."
While there is a lot of work ahead, Chauvin said, she feels that the luncheon was a good start.
"The Crisis Point luncheon was a huge success," she said. "We had over 100 attendees, great content and the appetite for change in Louisiana."
According to Watchdog.org, LABI is currently working on a "boot camp" program, which Waguespack hopes will bring people with an inclination for business into a place of knowledge so that they can learn how to run for both local and state government positions. This is one initiative through which LABI hopes to encourage positive change in local government, tort reform being one of the association's desired outcomes.
LABI is currently planning more luncheons of a similar tone, but dates and logistics have yet to be decided upon.