American Tort Reform Association

Washington, DC ยท Founded 1986

Advocates for civil justice reform through policy research, public education, and legislative initiatives

Primary audience
Policymakers and businesses
Work area
Legal reform advocacy
Topic
Civil justice system
Contact
Sherman Joyce
Website Contact

About Organization

American Tort Reform Association works to promote fairness and accountability in the U.S. civil justice system through advocacy, research, and education. Based in Washington, DC, the organization has operated since 1986 with a team of 8 employees and 25 volunteers. In 2023, the organization reported $4.8 million in revenue supporting its nationwide reform efforts.

What They Focus On

Civil Justice Reform

Advocates for balanced tort laws that reduce frivolous litigation while preserving legitimate legal rights

Legal System Research

Produces data-driven analysis of civil justice costs, trends, and reform effectiveness across jurisdictions

Policy Advocacy

Engages legislators and regulators to enact reforms addressing liability system inefficiencies and abuses

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$4.8M

-4% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$5.2M

-2.1% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$2.6M

-17.4% vs 2022

Employees (2023)

8

-11.1% vs 2022

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $4,772,679 $5,178,099 $2,588,023 8
2022 $4,973,260 $5,289,360 $3,132,323 9
2021 $4,616,837 $4,235,242 $2,998,842 9
2020 $4,756,497 $4,556,172 $2,429,386 9
2019 $5,377,234 $5,072,309 $2,169,769 8
2018 $4,921,522 $4,341,774 $1,674,851 9

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Research Analysis

    Analyze civil justice trends, litigation patterns, and economic impacts of tort system issues

  • 02

    Policy Development

    Develop evidence-based reform proposals addressing identified problems in the civil justice system

  • 03

    Stakeholder Engagement

    Build coalitions with businesses, legal professionals, and policymakers to support reform initiatives

  • 04

    Legislative Action

    Advocate for reform legislation at state and federal levels through testimony and lobbying

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by American Tort Reform Association

Legislative Advocacy

Promotes state and federal legislation to address civil justice system imbalances and excessive litigation costs

Policy Research

Conducts research on tort reform issues and publishes reports on civil justice trends and impacts

Public Education

Educates stakeholders and the public about civil justice reform through publications and outreach programs

Coalition Building

Convenes business groups, legal experts, and policymakers to advance balanced civil justice solutions

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind American Tort Reform Association.

SJ

Sherman Joyce

President
Full-time
Compensation: $542,511
MF

Matthew Fullenbaum

Dir Of Legislation
Full-time
Compensation: $226,250
LJ

Lauren Jarrell

Dir & Council Cilil Justic
Full-time
Compensation: $202,500
VE

Victor E Schwartz ESQ

General Counsel
2 hrs/week

Milestones

1986

Organization Founded

1986

Established as the first national organization dedicated exclusively to civil justice system reform

1986

IRS Recognition

1986

Received tax-exempt status recognition from the Internal Revenue Service in August

2019

Peak Revenue Year

2019

Achieved highest recorded revenue of $5.4 million supporting expanded advocacy and research programs

2023

Sustained Operations

2023

Maintained consistent advocacy efforts with $4.8 million budget and expanded volunteer network

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AK
Allen Kirsh Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
AW
Aviva Wein Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
BS
Brett Stacey Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
DB
Douglass B Lampe Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
GE
George E Cox III Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
JS
J Stephen Zielezienski Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
JM
John Marlow Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
JP
John Paglio Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
KS
Karen Sisson Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
KM
Keesha-Lu Mitra Treasurer 2.00 hrs/week
KC
Kyla Christoffersen Powell Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
LL
Leah L Lorber Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
LM
Lisa McCraw Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
MR
Marcus Rayner Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
MG
Markus Green Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
MZ
Marta Zaniewski Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
MH
Melissa H Brown Chair 2.00 hrs/week
MH
Michael H Lanza Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
ND
Nick Dandrea Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
RP
Richard Pianka Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
RL
Robert Levy Vice Chair - Chair Elect 2.00 hrs/week
RB
Robyn Buck Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
SR
Seth R Lamont Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
TV
Tamera Velasquez Immediate Past Chair 2.00 hrs/week
TN
Thomas N Vanderford Jr Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
TG
Tim Goodrich Board Member 2.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$1.1M

Highest Paid

$609K

Sherman Joyce

Compensated Officers

3

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Sherman Joyce President $542,511 $66,715 $609,226 40
Matthew Fullenbaum DIR Of Legislation $226,250 $15,180 $241,430 40
Lauren Jarrell DIR & Council Cilil Justic $202,500 $7,521 $210,021 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$1K Total Given
Other/PAC $1,000 (100%)
1 Contributions
$1,000 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

1 Individual Donor
SJ
Sherman Joyce 1 contribution • $1,000 avg
$1,000

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor Sherman Joyce with 1 contributions
🎯
Top Recipient HOGAN VICTORY — $1,000

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$75K Grants Received
$165K Grants Given
4 Organizations

Top Funders

1 total
AP
American Property Casualty Insurance Association
$75K

Top Grantees

3 total
CA
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse Inc. MANASSAS, VA
$130K
NA
National Association Of Manufacturers Legal Center WASHINGTON, DC
$20K
RA
Republican Attorneys General Association WASHINGTON, DC
$15K
American Property Casualty Insurance Association Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse Inc. National Association Of Manufacturers Legal Center Republican Attorneys General Association
American Property Casualty Insurance Association Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse Inc. National Association Of Manufacturers Legal Center Republican Attorneys General Association

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Related Organizations

1 affiliated entity reported on IRS Form 990 Schedule R

1

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

1
American Tort Reform Foundation
Washington, DC
Education Surrounding A Balanced Civil Justice System
501(c) 501(C)(3)

Source: IRS Form 990, Schedule R (Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships)

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
2 Registrations
1 Client
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 1 total

American Tort Reform Association
2 filings
Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with American Tort Reform Association

Phone

(202) 682-1163

Social

Visit Website
1101 Connecticut Avenue NW 400 Washington, DC 20036