Leadership

This site describes the efforts of citizens of Texas to restore balance and fairness to the Texas civil justice system. Leo E. Linbeck, Jr., Dick Weekley, Richard J. Trabulsi, Jr., Allan Shivers, Jr., Hugh Rice Kelly and Michael S. Stevens lead this organization. Founded on principles of solid research, grassroots advocacy and bi-partisan cooperation, more than a dozen tort reform measures have been enacted since 1995. These measures and the ongoing effort of Texans for Lawsuit Reform are defined on this site. TLR has also helped scrutinize the legal fees associated with the Texas tobacco settlement.

Recent News

Texans for Lawsuit Reform: Fred Baron’s Hush-Money Payments to Edwards’ Mistress Is Part of a Pattern

TLR Press Release, August 11, 2008

Lawsuit reform advocates across Texas responded today to the news that asbestos lawsuit king Fred Baron has been paying hush money to John Edwards’ former mistress. Baron and Edwards are both personal injury trial lawyers. Mr. Baron headed up Edwards’ fundraising efforts in his unsuccessful presidential campaign and is among the top contributors to Texas political campaigns.

A Baby-Free New York

New York Post, August 1, 2008

New Yorkers may soon have to cross state lines just to have a baby - or maybe even just to see a doctor when they get sick.

The cost of crooked lawyers; Recent wave of legal malfeasance affects us all, even reform-minded Texas

Houston Chronicle, July 13, 2008

The TLR Story

Click here to view the video

Hugh Rice Kelly

General Counsel of Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Retired Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Reliant Energy Hugh Rice Kelly was Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Reliant Energy prior to his retirement in May 2003.

Allan Shivers, Jr.

Bud Shivers, born in San Antonio in 1946, grew up in Austin. He attended the Lawrenceville School and The University of Texas at Austin School of Business. Leaving the university in 1968 and after serving in the United States Coast Guard, he returned to Austin and embarked on a business career that has included founding and serving as chairman or board member of a solid waste business, real estate development company, savings and loan company, as well as a farming organization and a mineral royalty business.

Richard J. Trabulsi, Jr.

Mr. Trabulsi has been an active volunteer in Texans For Lawsuit Reform since its inception, currently serving as president of the organization and chairman of its political action committee. Mr. Trabulsi is a native of Houston, Texas. He is married, and has two adult children.