Indianapolis, Indiana – Several prominent Indiana businesses and statewide organizations have joined forces to create a new nonprofit aimed at reforming civil and tort laws in the state. The initiative, named the Indiana Alliance for Legal Reform, was announced this week and is designed to strengthen Indiana’s business climate while addressing concerns about frivolous litigation and unpredictable jury awards.
Stephen M. Wolff, Esq., has been named executive director of the Alliance, bringing extensive legal expertise to the newly formed organization. To assist with government relations and media efforts, the Alliance has also retained David C. Long, former president pro tempore of the Indiana Senate. The nonprofit’s leadership team is rounded out by several high-profile business executives, including Gary Langston, CEO of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, serving as chair; Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber, as vice chair; and Andrew Berger, CEO of the Indiana Manufacturers Association, as treasurer.
The formation of the Indiana Alliance for Legal Reform comes at a time when many industries in the state are expressing growing concern about legal costs, jury awards, and litigation-related uncertainty. The Alliance aims to provide a unified voice for Hoosier businesses and to advocate for legislation that balances the rights of plaintiffs with the need for a predictable legal environment that encourages economic growth and innovation.
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The Alliance’s initial focus is on building upon recent reforms in Indiana, including House Enrolled Act 1160, which was signed into law in 2024. This legislation brought transparency to third-party litigation funding, helping to address concerns about outside interests influencing lawsuits. Looking ahead, the Alliance is pushing for reforms to curb frivolous lawsuits, limit excessive non-economic damage awards, and create a more efficient and reliable legal system for companies operating in the state.
“Lawsuits are draining America’s economy. Lawsuit abuse has risen to the top of the list of the trucking industry’s concerns and is negatively affecting our nation’s GDP, job growth and consumer prices. Hoosier business leaders are ready to act,” said Langston, chair of the Alliance. His remarks highlight the economic motivation behind the nonprofit, which is positioning legal reform as a way to maintain Indiana’s competitive advantage against other states such as Florida and Georgia, which have implemented their own legal reform packages.
The Indiana Alliance for Legal Reform plans to pursue legislative action during the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Already, more than two dozen entities—ranging from large corporations to key business associations—have expressed interest in joining the effort, with additional organizations expected to sign on as support grows. By creating a collaborative, statewide platform, the Alliance seeks to unify voices across industries in order to influence policymakers and promote legal reforms that benefit all Hoosiers.
Vanessa Green Sinders emphasized the broader economic implications of the Alliance’s work. She noted that a stable and predictable legal environment encourages investment, supports job creation, and allows businesses to plan for long-term growth. By reducing the risks associated with litigation, Indiana companies can compete more effectively both nationally and internationally.
The Alliance also intends to leverage public outreach and media campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of current legal trends on the state’s economy. With Long’s experience in state government, the nonprofit aims to engage lawmakers, business leaders, and the public to create broad support for reforms.
As Indiana continues to attract new industries and businesses, the Indiana Alliance for Legal Reform positions itself as a proactive advocate for legal structures that protect the state’s economic health. By focusing on transparency, accountability, and predictability, the Alliance hopes to ensure that Hoosier businesses can thrive without the threat of excessive or frivolous lawsuits.
Through these coordinated efforts, the Indiana Alliance for Legal Reform represents a significant step toward reshaping the state’s civil and tort law landscape, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the competitiveness of Indiana businesses in a rapidly changing national economy.
