Travis Akin News
'Lawsuit loan shark' legislation would mean more lawsuits and fewer jobs in Illinois
Akin Lawmakers have returned to Springfield for the lame duck veto session and are rushing to ram through bills dealing with tax hikes, gambling and civil unions during this abbreviated session.
Good judges matter
The judiciary is an often overlooked and seldom understood branch of government. It is a branch of government, though, that has significant influence over our daily lives. Judges make decisions every day that affect our health care, community safety, and our economy.
Lawmakers are 'kicking the can' when it comes to legal reform
Akin Every January, it seems lawmakers return to Springfield with the same financial issues hanging over their heads as the year before, and every year they employ the same budget gimmicks and essentially "kick the can down the road," as the saying goes, on the important issues of the day.
Jackpot justice is no joke
Akin It is amazing listening to personal injury lawyers who say with a straight face that never in their lives have they seen a "frivolous lawsuit."
Five worst local jurisdictions for legal fairness are in Illinois
Akin Harris Interactive, Inc. recently released its annual rankings of each state based on legal fairness and once again Illinois is home to some of the worst local court jurisdictions in the country.
March in Madness
The Mad Hatter is amusing audiences all across the country and soon even more March Madness will hit the airwaves during the upcoming NCAA Championship Basketball Tournament.
Illinois Supreme Court sends personal injury lawyers the ultimate Valentine
Akin The Illinois Supreme Court lovingly gift wrapped the ultimate Valentine's Day present for personal injury lawyers by striking down the state's historic medical malpractice reform law in a recently released decision.
The need for lawsuit reform greater than ever in 2010
The new year begins the same way last year began – with a great deal of uncertainty about the future economic health of our state and our nation.
New report shows trouble on the horizon in Metro-East counties
Akin With class action lawsuits on the rise in St. Clair County and the number of asbestos claims increasing in Madison County, the release of the 2009 "Judicial Hellholes" report provides a sobering reminder of how far the lawsuit reform movement has come, but also how much more work still needs to be done.
Lawsuit abuse still a way of life in Madison County
Akin At one time Madison County was dubbed the nation's premier "judicial hellhole."
Cook County is the new Madison County
Akin Residents of Madison County know all too well what can happen when a local court jurisdiction becomes an attractive destination for personal injury lawyers trying to hit the lawsuit lottery. For years, Madison County had a well-deserved reputation as the nation's worst "judicial hellhole."
This lawsuit is not dolphin safe
Akin One of the issues often ignored in the current national discussion on the future of healthcare in America is the need for lawsuit reform.
Illinois should follow Missouri's lead on personal injury lawyer advertising
Akin The Board of Governors of the Missouri Bar will soon be considering new rules to tighten up regulations on personal injury lawyer advertising, a move many law firms are fighting.
Ready v. United/Goedecke Services case underscores Illinois' litigation problem
Akin It has been nearly 10 years since a tragic accident took the life of Michael P. Ready at the Midwest Generation EME LLC factory in Joliet. No one disputes that Ready's family is entitled to compensation, but the question of who should pay has thrust this case into the public limelight for far too long.
Lawmakers punt on lawsuit reform, again
Akin When lawmakers recently left Springfield at the end of the legislative session, they did so with a great deal of unfinished business on the table.
Illinois' medical liability reform law keeps on working
Akin Four years ago, Illinois was on the brink of a healthcare disaster. Medical malpractice insurance rates were skyrocketing and doctors were leaving Illinois in droves to practice medicine in states with a more balanced legal system.
Even personal injury lawyers are looking for a bailout
Economic news, good or bad, comes down to numbers, and in Illinois lately, the numbers have not been good.
Land of Lincoln is 'Land of Lawsuit Abuse'
Akin For those of us living in Illinois, the arrest of Governor Rod Blagojevich was hardly surprising. After all, Illinois has a long history of indicting governors.
Illinois needs more not less legal reform
Akin To say that Illinois' legal climate has improved in recent years is much like saying the accounting practices at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be the standard for the mortgage industry.
Grassroots effort help stops 'Lawyers Get Work Act'
Akin Living in Illinois, it is hard to fathom how anyone could seriously think there are not enough lawsuits filed in our state.