From the Illinois Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse:
Trial Lawyers’ PAC Funnels Over $1 Million to Illinois Democrats, Driving Lawsuit-Friendly Legislation
Chicago, IL — A new report from Illinois Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (IL CALA) exposes how the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Political Action Committee (ITLA PAC) has spent more than $1 million exclusively on Democratic candidates and committees since Election Day 2022—fueling a legislative environment that enables and rewards predatory litigation.
The report, titled Follow the Money: How Illinois Trial Lawyers Fuel a Lawsuit-Friendly Legislature, can be viewed here: Full Report (PDF)
From 2022 through early 2025, ITLA PAC contributed to only one side of the aisle—sending 100% of its contributions to Democrats in the General Assembly and statewide offices.
Most funds targeted legislative leaders and caucus-controlled PACs, with top Democratic leaders receiving nearly double the average amount given to rank-and-file members.
“The report confirms what Illinois businesses and taxpayers have long suspected,” said IL CALA Executive Director Philippe Melin.
“Our legal system is being shaped not by justice or fairness—but by who funds the campaigns.”
The PAC’s spending coincides with the passage or consideration of legislation designed to expand litigation opportunities for trial lawyers, including:
- A 2023 law allowing plaintiffs to seek prejudgment interest in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits—dramatically increasing potential payouts and settlement pressure on defendants.
- Efforts to expand liability under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)—Supreme Court justices who were the beneficiaries of massive political donations from ITLA decided to massively expand BIPA’s scope of liability.
- Pending proposals to make it easier to sue healthcare providers, nursing homes, and employers—especially those operating in high-risk or low-margin industries.
“Trial lawyers are investing in politicians who will protect and expand their business model,” Melin said. “Meanwhile, the costs are passed on to consumers, job creators, and everyday families.”
IL CALA urges lawmakers to do more than just follow the money—they should follow the impact.
“We call on legislators to spend time with the small businesses and local employers in their districts who are under siege from predatory lawsuits,” said Melin. “It’s time for lawmakers to be more skeptical of ITLA’s motivations for spending big on Springfield politics and start standing up for the job creators who power our communities.”
About Illinois Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (IL CALA):
IL CALA is a grassroots, nonpartisan watchdog organization committed to exposing the costs of lawsuit abuse in Illinois and advocating for a fairer, more balanced legal system. Learn more at www.CALA.com/Illinois.
