New Jersey Litigation Center Launches to Defend Business
The new not-for-profit will represent New Jersey's business community in legal actions and challenge laws and regulatory overreach.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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New Jersey Civil Justice Institute and New Jersey Business and Industry Association launched New Jersey Litigation Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The center is modeled after the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Legal Center.
Why it matters
New Jersey has been ranked as one of the least business friendly states in the nation, and the judicial branch has played a larger role in policymaking in recent years, requiring the business case to be made in the courtroom. The launch reflects that shift toward litigation as a venue for policy disputes.
The center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that relies on tax-deductible support from individuals, organizations, and foundations. Its initial docket, funding levels, and first targeted laws were not specified at launch.
The players
New Jersey Business and Industry Association
The state's largest business advocacy group, led by Michele Siekerka, which joined the launch as a co-founder and has joined amicus curiae filings in state and federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
New Jersey Civil Justice Institute
A nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization supported by many of New Jersey's largest employers, business associations, and professional organizations, led by president Elissa Frank.
The details
The center will represent New Jersey's business community in legal actions and provide resources and strategic support to challenge laws and regulatory overreach. Its stated focus areas include free enterprise, regulatory certainty, unlawful taxation, constitutional rights, separation of powers, and government transparency.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: New Jersey Litigation Center launch announced.
Legal Context
The center is modeled after the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Legal Center, applying a business-funded litigation approach used in that state to New Jersey's courts. The launch comes as business groups increasingly bring policy disputes to court rather than the legislature.
The center will pursue legal challenges to state laws and regulations, which could affect how businesses in New Jersey are taxed and regulated. Residents may see shifts in state policy depending on the outcomes of cases it brings.
The takeaway
Litigation is becoming a central arena for business-policy fights in New Jersey, so court outcomes may matter as much as legislation for regulatory change. Readers following state policy should track which cases the center files.
Further reading
Explore more in Criminal Justice for context on how courts shape state policy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insider NJ.
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