Why It Matters

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform filed its second quarter 2026 lobbying disclosure Monday, July 20, reporting $120,000 in lobbying expenses through Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.

The Chamber's ILR lobbying activities focus on economic development, law enforcement/criminal justice, torts, and transportation. It has also previously lobbied on legal reform, including third party litigation funding issues. Third-party litigation financing has become a major flashpoint in civil justice debates, with business groups arguing that it distorts litigation incentives and inflates damages.

By the Numbers

Akin Gump deployed five registered lobbyists on the Chamber's behalf in second quarter 2026: Casey Higgins, Hunter Bates, Sam Olswanger, Ryan Thompson, Dave Schwietert, and Jen Becker-Pollet.

The $120,000 second quarter expenditure continues a consistent spending pattern. The Chamber spent $50,000 through Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in the first quarter of 2026, plus an additional $30,000 through North South Government Strategies and Hollier & Associates.

Broader Context

The Chamber's litigation finance concerns align with broader congressional activity. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Kennedy (R-LA), and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Litigation Funding Transparency Act of 2026 in February. The bill would require disclosure of third-party litigation funders in federal class actions and multi-district litigation proceedings, prohibit funders from influencing litigation strategy, and mandate disclosure of foreign funding sources in mass tort and class action suits. The Chamber formally endorsed the measure.

The Bottom Line

The Chamber's sustained investment across multiple firms and quarters demonstrates the organization's commitment to reshaping litigation finance rules at the federal level.

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