About
Restoring Balance to New York’s Civil Justice System
New York ranks among the worst states for legal fairness, costing our economy billions each year. Outdated liability laws and lawsuit abuse drive up costs, hurt job growth, and strain essential services.
We believe reform isn’t optional — it’s urgent.
The Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York (LRANY) is a nonpartisan, statewide coalition of businesses, professionals, municipalities, and everyday citizens working to fix New York’s costly and unbalanced civil justice system.
Legislative Advocacy
We work directly with state lawmakers to advance legal reform legislation and oppose harmful bills.
Research & Analysis
We publish data-driven reports that highlight the economic impact of the current liability climate.
Public Education
Through campaigns, events, and media, we raise awareness of how lawsuit abuse affects all New Yorkers.
Coalition Building
We unite stakeholders from every sector to amplify our impact and ensure statewide representation.
Why it matters
$22 billion
Annual cost of lawsuit abuse to New York’s economy.
Lawsuit abuse doesn’t just affect businesses — it impacts every New Yorker through higher taxes, increased service costs, and lost opportunities. LRANY is committed to changing that.
$7,027
The cost per resident of the tort system passed on to taxpayers.
375,000
Jobs lost: Civil liability costs have driven employers out of the state.
50th / 50
New York ranks dead last in lawsuit climate for small businesses (U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform).
Our Mission
Driving real reform through action, advocacy, and events across New York State.
We’re on a mission to improve New York’s civil justice system by advocating for legal reform that reduces abuse, restores fairness, and creates a more competitive, affordable, and just environment for everyone.
Who We represent
A united coalition of New Yorkers impacted by lawsuit abuse — from local businesses to everyday taxpayers.
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Businesses & Industries
From small businesses to major industries like construction and insurance, New York employers are burdened by high liability costs that hinder growth, hiring, and investment. We advocate for reforms that support a stronger, more competitive business climate.
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Healthcare Providers
Frivolous malpractice claims drive up costs for doctors, hospitals, and patients alike. We work to protect medical professionals and preserve access to affordable, high-quality care for all New Yorkers.
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Public Sector & Municipalities
Excessive litigation drains resources from schools, cities, and public services. Our coalition supports legal reforms that protect local governments and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
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Taxpayers & Consumers
Every New Yorker feels the impact of lawsuit abuse — from rising insurance premiums to increased service costs. We represent citizens who want a fairer, more affordable legal system.
Meet the team
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Tom Stebbins
Executive Director
Recently named to City & State's Law Power 100 of the most powerful people in New York law for the third time, Tom has been published or quoted in over one hundred publications, including The New York Times, NY Daily News, the Wall Street Journal, and The Economist.
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Tom is also a featured guest on numerous radio and TV shows, including NPR, Spectrum News, Fox News, and 1010 WINS. A sought-after speaker, Tom has spoken to organizations across New York -- from Buffalo to Brooklyn, from Rotaries to multi-national business conferences.
Prior to joining the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York, Tom was a project manager for Horizon Wind Energy, where he developed multiple commercial-scale wind farms in the Northeast United States. Earlier in his career, Tom worked for PBS flagship station WGBH-TV, where he coordinated the national marketing and promotion efforts for programs such as NOVA, Masterpiece Theatre, and Antiques Roadshow.
Tom is also an accomplished benefit auctioneer, emcee, and fundraiser who raises tens of millions of dollars every year for charities all over the world, and was recently named one of the Top 50 charity auctioneers in the country.
Tom has a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and an MBA from Cornell University.
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Kate Hobday
Manager of Operations, Research & Development
Kate joined the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York in 2012 as a research intern. Since that time, she has assisted in the research of multiple reports, and was named Manager of Operations, Research and Development in January 2018.
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In that capacity she oversees the organization’s general operations and engages in fundraising, administration, and membership development.
Prior to working for LRANY, Kate worked with people with traumatic brain injuries at Hilltop Manor in Niskayuna and Living Resources in Albany.
Possessing a dedication to continued education, Kate holds an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Hudson Valley Community College, a bachelor’s in English from the University at Albany, a bachelor’s in Law and Society from Sage Colleges of Albany, and a certification in Grant Writing obtained in 2015. She currently resides in Albany.
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Haliegh Donahue
Legal Intern
Haliegh joined the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York in 2025 as a research intern. Prior to her internship with LRANY, Haliegh worked as a physical therapist's assistant in Buffalo, NY, where she treated a variety of patients, including those with sports-related injuries, patients on the long-term ventilator unit, and elderly individuals.
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Haliegh is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at the University at Buffalo School of Law, where she is a member of the Domestic Violence Task Force and a student member of the Bar Association of Erie County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University at Buffalo and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapy from Niagara County Community College.
Outside of her professional work, Haliegh is involved in community activities, such as volunteering for the Office of Disabilities at the University at Buffalo School of Law and supporting her local Girl Scout Troop to encourage community involvement. She resides in Williamsville, NY, and is dedicated to advancing legal reform and social justice.
Get involved
Join the 800+ businesses and organizations that are standing up for fairness and reform in New York.
Whether you’re a professional, policymaker, or citizen who believes in common-sense legal policy, we welcome your support.