The Alliance for Consumers released a report examining political spending by trial lawyer-affiliated groups, finding that $29 million was directed to Democratic candidates and allied committees from 2017 through 2024.
The report analyzes contributions from political action committees tied to trial lawyers, focusing on how those funds are distributed across federal elections. It describes the spending patterns as part of a broader look at the relationship between legal advocacy groups and political activity.
According to the report, trial lawyer-affiliated PACs—including AAJ PAC, the Truth and Justice Fund Company, and several Justice PACs—directed 99% of their combined spending to Democratic candidates and aligned committees during the period. AAJ PAC alone distributed more than $21.5 million, with 98% going to Democrats and their allies.
Campaign finance data from OpenSecrets shows AAJ PAC raised $8.17 million during the 2023–2024 election cycle, directing 98% of those funds to Democratic candidates.
Since 1990, the American Association for Justice has contributed about $48 million in total, with roughly 7% going to Republicans. More broadly, the lawyers and law firms sector contributed approximately $103 million to Democrats compared with $42 million to Republicans in the same cycle, according to OpenSecrets.
The report also references data from the Institute for Legal Reform, which estimated U.S. tort costs at $529 billion in 2022, growing at an annual rate of 7.1%. The group has also cited historical examples, including the period before the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, when litigation pressures contributed to a decline in vaccine manufacturers.
The Alliance for Consumers is a nonprofit organization focused on ensuring consumers and the rule of law are not undermined by trial lawyers and public officials. AFC publishes research on trial lawyer political donations, public contract ethics, and the diversion of settlement funds from victims to political campaigns and contingency fee arrangements.
