Virginia’s legal system ranks the 4th best in the nation, according to a survey conducted by the Institute for Legal Reform, an organization founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to address the country’s litigation explosion. “Best,” in this context means “business friendly.”
Virginia trails only Delaware, Nebraska and North Dakota — and it’s the best in the South by a long shot. The second best Southern state, North Carolina, ranks 20th, while the bottom four slots are reserved for Louisiana, Alabama, West Virginia and, the worst, Mississippi.
The Institute study was based on a survey of over 1,400 practicing corporate attorneys and general counsels who answered a comprehensive battery of questions. The Institute argues that business-unfriendly legal systems discourage investment and hurt local economies. “Companies dont want to do business in states where the courts are perceived to be unfair. People living in low-ranking states are losing out on jobs, tax revenue and other economic development opportunities fueled by business.”
The disappointing news for Virginia: Our No. 4 spot represents a decline from a No. 3 ranking last year.
