About Us
Courtrooms across the country are turning into casinos. Lawyers are increasingly bringing bogus lawsuits, based on emotional appeal and junk science, seeking “jackpot” verdicts disconnected from actual harm. Third parties, such as hedge funds, are financing these lawsuits, betting on the cases in exchange for a cut of the lawyers’ winnings. Profits, not justice, are driving outcomes.
This affects everyone. Abuse of the legal system generates higher operating costs for businesses, professionals, and governments, and citizens absorb those costs through higher prices for goods and services and higher taxes. A recent study found that in 2020, New Jersey’s lawsuit system cost each household approximately $5,059, making it one of the most expensive systems in the nation. Another recent study found that New Jersey ranked near the top of the list of states with the most nuclear verdicts (i.e., lawsuits with verdicts of $10 million or more) from 2010 to 2019.
The New Jersey Civil Justice Institute (“NJCJI”) exists to address this problem. NJCJI fights to maintain a civil justice system that fairly and efficiently resolves cases based on clear legal standards and reliable evidence. NJCJI advocates for legal reform initiatives and against court decisions and proposed laws that disturb the balance of the system. NJCJI’s staff is supported by an extensive network of nationally recognized attorneys and policy experts from some of largest law firms and in-house legal departments in the nation. This affords NJCJI a deep understanding of the real-world impact of court decisions and legislation.
Alex R. Daniel | Vice President, General Counsel
NJCJI’s General Counsel, Alex R. Daniel, supports NJCJI’s advocacy efforts before all branches of government. Alex monitors New Jersey court decisions to assess their impact on the state’s civil justice system and administers NJCJI’s amicus program, representing NJCJI in select cases affecting the system. He also conducts the critical legal and policy research underlying NJCJI’s legislative and regulatory advocacy, and regularly testifies before the New Jersey Legislature regarding a wide range of proposed laws affecting the state’s civil justice system. Alex produces NJCJI’s weekly newsletter and organizes its events.
Before joining NJCJI, Alex was in private legal practice for a decade, representing businesses, governmental entities, and individual clientele in state and federal courts at all stages of civil litigation. His practice focused on defense of class-action claims, consumer fraud matters, complex business disputes and litigation, mass torts, environmental litigation and site remediation, government investigations, and appellate matters.
Alex began his legal career as a law clerk for Justice Anne M. Patterson of the New Jersey Supreme Court. He received his J.D., summa cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law, and was a member of the Order of the Coif. Alex also received his B.A., summa cum laude, from Seton Hall University. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
| MEMBERSHIP
NJCJI is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization supported by many of New Jersey’s largest employers, business associations and professional organizations. In addition to knowing their support is making NJCJI’s fight for civil justice reform possible, our members receive many tangible benefits. Members can participate in NJCJI’s advocacy and coalition building efforts and can leverage our relationships with officials in all three branches of government. Further, members receive NJCJI’s exclusive electronic newsletter, which provides updates on relevant legislation and court cases. Finally, NJCJI members can attend its policy forums, networking events, and continuing legal education (CLE) seminars.
If you would like to become a member, please fill out the form and a member of our staff will contact you.
| Contact Us
New Jersey Civil Justice Institute
63 Coryell Street, Unit B,
Lambertville, NJ 08530