Maryann Maloney Marino correctly points out the continuing problem of “shakedown” lawsuits in California (“Lawsuit State,” Aug. 22), such as those in which customers seek statutory penalties against small businesses for technical violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As someone who has been a practicing litigator for many years (and happens to consider himself a political conservative), I must comment on her conclusion that “we need more jobs, not lawsuits.”
Our civil justice system represents the best alternative to government regulation. We have better-designed highways, safer products, more accountability in business transactions, higher standards of medical care, and a more humane workplace because of meritorious lawsuits.
What is needed to curtail frivolous lawsuits is legislation to mandate apprenticeships for attorneys, similar to the medical and accounting professions, and to require proof of competency and adherence to strict ethical standards as a condition of licensure to engage in trial practice.
Bill Crosby
Barnes, Crosby, FitzGerald & Zeman
Irvine
