The Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) has selected two Assemblymembers to receive the organization’s 2021 Civil Justice Gavel Award for their willingness to work toward fairness and balance in California’s legal system.
The recipients are Assemblymember Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park and Assemblymember Steven Choi, R-Irvine. The award is given annually to one Democrat and one Republican legislator.
"Both Assemblymembers Rubio and Choi have done their part to curb frivolous litigation in a variety of ways – very significantly, consistently supporting or opposing legislation in line with promoting balance in California’s civil justice system,” Kyla Christoffersen Powell, CJAC’s president and CEO, told the Northern California Record by email.
Asm. Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park
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“On CJAC’s 2020 Balance Scorecard, they ranked in the 90th percentile or above,” Powell said. “Going forward, CJAC will also take into consideration legislators’ actions on Triple Threat Bills, which CJAC instituted this year.”
Rubio, who sponsored AB 1152, a bill proposing liability protections for higher education institutions as they return to in-person instruction, said in a CJAC news release that she was honored for the recognition.
“I am honored to be recognized for my efforts to support fairness in our civil courts and ensure all voices are heard,” Rubio said. “I will keep working for balance in the legal system to protect consumers and communities without burdening business.”
Choi called it a privilege to receive the CJAC award for his for his work.
“If we want to keep a thriving state economy, a fair legal climate for businesses is a critical component, and I’ll continue to advocate for a balanced civil justice system,” Choi said.
The legislators’ policy leadership this past year has helped to minimize frivolous lawsuits against businesses in their districts and throughout the state, Powell said.
When considering award recipients, CJAC evaluates lawmakers’ voting records on legislation impacting the state’s legal climate and additional efforts to support a balanced civil justice system in California communities.