Tort Reformers Criticize Lawyer Backing of Drug Defect Web Sites

As a trial lawyer with something of a conservative streak, I keep up with what the tort reform folks are saying, and occasionally even agree on some point. The American Tort Reform Association is highlighting a study of online information about hazards of pharmaceutical products, published by the New York-based Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, as justification for calling upon State Bar associations to require that lawyers clearly identify themselves on Web sites they sponsor.

We do not use any of those online lawyer referral services, do not participate in any web site that does not fully identify this firm, and have no problem with disclosure of the sponsors of such sites.  On the other hand, it may be impracticable to list all participants in broad-based private or Bar-sponsored lawyer referral services. Both Georgia and the ABA Model Rules cover what is permissible in payment for use of lawyer referral services.  We are in the process of reviewing updates in the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, and I am on the Disciplinary Rules & Procedures Committee. I’m sure we will give this issue due consideration and try to strike a fair, realistic balance.

The Shigley Law Firm  represents plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases statewide in Georgia. Ken Shigley has been listed as a “SuperLawyer” in Atlanta Magazine and one of the “Legal Elite” in Georgia Trend Magazine. He is a Certified Civil Trial Advocate of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Chair of the Southeastern Motor Carrier Liability Institute and former chair of the Georgia Insurance Law Institute. He particularly focuses on cases  arising from truck and bus accidents.