The American Association for Justice spent roughly $4.7 million lobbying in 2009, down roughly 13 percent from $5.4 million in 2008, lobbying disclosure reports show.
The reports show the trial lawyers' lobbying team, led by Executive Vice President Linda Lipsen, was active on a host of issues, ranging from aircraft safety standards to mandatory arbitration and consumer protection.
The group's highest lobbying tab was in the fourth quarter, when it reported spending $1.33 million on lobbying. Communications director Ray De Lorenzi said fourth-quarter lobbying was driven by the proposed health care overhaul in Congress. In an e-mail, he described last year's dip in lobbying as "insignificant," and said the lobbying depends on congressional activity "on key civil justice issues."
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