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a small group of representatives from America’s finest corporations, including Pfizer and State Farm,
to form Lawyers for Civil Justice. LCJ’s “why” or mission, both then and now, is to promote excellence and fairness in the civil justice system to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of civil cases. Its specialty is ensuring that defendants have a voice in the rule making process of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. As a founding member, the FDCC has always supported LCJ with money, volunteers, talent, collaboration and leadership.
In addition to the FDCC and our “Sisters” (ADTA, DRI and IADC), LCJ has twenty-two corporate members that are exemplary of excellence in American industry. LCJ also has sixty-six associate law firm members representing America’s leading law firms. These members, preeminent corporate and defense counsel, collaborate to provide compelling reasons for judges, Congress and rule makers to give serious consideration
to meaningful reforms. Since LCJ’s founding, the FDCC and its members have contributed to its phenomenal success and current
FDCC Pillars
H. Mills Gallivan Gallivan, White
& Boyd P.A. Greenville, SC.
Harry S. Truman, the thirty-third President of the United States, once said, “The only thing new in the world is the history you do not know.”
LCJ plays a vital role in fulfilling the Federation’s core value of Justice and conversely the LCJ depends on the FDCC to successfully execute its critical mission.
status as the preeminent voice in the Federal Rules making process.
“Justice” is arguably most important leg of the Federation’s core values. For the last thirty-three years there has been no more effective way for the FDCC to promote justice than its integral support of the Lawyers for Civil Justice. Every member of the Federation can take great pride in the successes of the LCJ. FDCC members who are also LCJ law firm associate members fully understand that LCJ’s strength comes from volunteer authors, speakers and thought leaders.
The FRCP are a work in progress and as they evolve it is critical that the defense bar have a seat at the rules making table. LCJ ably fills that seat and together with the FDCC has long promoted: balance
and fairness in the civil justice system; reduced costs and burdens associated with litigation; and, more predictability, consistency and efficiency in litigation.
I hope that you have found this “new” history of the FDCC’s
role in the founding of LCJ to be informative. LCJ plays a vital role
in fulfilling the Federation’s core value of Justice and conversely
the LCJ depends on the FDCC to successfully execute its critical mission. On behalf of the LCJ I
want to thank the FDCC and its members who are a crucial part of LCJ’s effectiveness as an advocate for a fair and balanced civil justice system. The resulting improvements in the FRCP significantly benefit Federation litigators and even the playing field for our clients.
The LCJ has a number of exciting initiatives planned for 2021 and we can always use your help. If your firm or corporation is interested
in joining the Lawyers for Civil Justice please contact me for more information. Learnevenmore about LCJ by visiting https://www. lfcj.com/.
Thirty-three years ago the FDCC, DRI and IADC met with
THE FOLLOWING IS A SHORT LIST OF RECENT LCJ SUCCESS STORIES
• Preservation of corporate witness choice, Rule 30(b)(6), effective 12/1/20
• Proportionality in the scope of discovery (FRCP 26), effective 2015
• Advocating for the right to appeal in MDLs
• Engaging the Civil Rules Advisory Committee on privilege log reform
• Advocating for requestor pays rules
• Engaging the Evidence Rules Committee on the need to clarify Rule 702 to ensure consistent rulings on admissibility of expert testimony
• Monitoring and contributing to the discussion on Emergency Rules
• Strong and successful Amicus briefs in cases involving significant procedural issues
H. Mills Gallivan is a Past President of the FDCC; President-Elect of the LCJ, and Senior Partner of Gallivan, White & Boyd P.A., in Greenville, SC. Contact him at mgallivan@GWBlawfirm.com.
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