Montana is becoming a more attractive state in which to conduct business as the Treasure State improved from the 34th overall in 2015 to the 27th best state liability system this year, according to a survey released by the Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The ILR recently released its 2017 Lawsuit Climate Survey, which included its ranking of the states. In 2012, the state was ranked 45th overall in the survey.
“We are encouraged by Montana’s rise in this legal environment ranking,” said Webb Brown, president and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “This seven-spot leap is a testament to our work through our Montana Justice Coalition. The Montana Chamber will continue to serve as a leading voice in this policy arena for years to come.”
The ILR survey, based on feedback from 1,321 general counsel, senior litigators/attorneys, and senior executives, reflects the attractiveness of each state’s legal climate to conduct business. Survey respondents evaluate each state based on overall treatment of tort litigation, damages, venue enforcement, and more. While the legal environment is one of many factors considered when justifying capital investment, it has become an increasingly important component in that decision.
Despite this great news, the Montana Chamber believes the work is far from over. Montana may have reached middle-of-the pack status in the 2017 survey, but three of its four bordering states remain in the top 10 among all states. The Montana Chamber hopes the state can catch up with its neighbors by adopting a balanced and fair legal system.
To learn more, visit the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform website at www.InstituteForLegalReform.com.
Creating and maintaining an optimal business climate in Montana is a crucial objective of the Montana Chamber’s ten-year strategic plan, Envision 2026. A major piece of this endeavor is to foster a predictable legal climate that is known for following the rule of law, rather than legislating from the bench. Montana’s ranking in the ILR survey is the primary legal climate metric in Envision 2026.