Today, Kenneth R. Feinberg, renowned attorney specializing in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, presented an alternative model to traditional litigation for settling claims resulting from major disasters such as the Gulf of Mexico oil spill at the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform’s 11th Annual Legal Reform Summit.
Drawing from his roles as Independent Claims Adjuster for the BP Deepwater Horizon Spill Disaster Victim Compensation Fund and former manager of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, Feinberg headlined the day-long Summit that focused on lawsuit abuse during a major economic downturn.
Feinberg was appointed Special Master of the U.S. Government’s September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and currently serves as the Special Master for TARP Executive Compensation, popularly called the “pay czar.”
In today’s press release, ILR President Lisa Rickard was quoted as saying: “The case is clear: lawsuit abuse is a major problem that threatens the ability of American businesses, large and small, to recover from the current economic situation and create jobs.”
The Chamber also honored key individuals and organizations who are working to improve America’s litigation environment with the ILR Legal Reform Awards. The 2010 recipients include State Sen. John Thrasher and State Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, both of Florida, for legislative achievement, as well as the law firm of Forman, Perry, Watkins, Krutz & Tardy for organizational achievement.
ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.