How West Virginia Compares to Other States

Over the past several years, West Virginia has gained a national reputation for having the worst legal climate in the nation. While some may try to criticize such rankings, the sad fact of the matter is that reviews of our legal system by different observers repeatedly come to the same conclusion: Job providers looking to locate in West Virginia will find a legal climate that is currently closed for business.

Worst State for Business:

Forbes Magazine - "The Best States for Business"

Worst Legal Climate in the Nation:

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform - "Lawsuit Climate 2007"

Worst Legal Climate for Attracting Business:

Directorship Magazine & The American Justice Partnership

Received an "F" grade for Economic Development:

Corporation for Enterprise Development

No. 1 "Judicial Hellhole" in the Nation:

The American Tort Reform Foundation

Sixth Worst Attorney General in the Nation:

The Competitive Enterprise Institute - "The Nation's Top Ten Worst State Attorney Generals"

Eighth Worst Liability System in the Nation (or 4th Worst in the Nation in terms of future liability threats):

The Pacific Research Institute - "U.S. Tort Liability Index: 2006 Report"