Frequently asked questions
Who we are, how membership works, and what we're asking of Congress.
01
The National Center for Legal Integrity is a national movement of business owners and Americans who are tired of paying for lawsuit abuse. Most claims against businesses never reach a courtroom. They arrive as demand letters and end in confidential settlements, so no one can see the patterns. Insurers pass those costs on, businesses raise prices, and every American pays what we call the Hidden Lawsuit Tax. NCLI exists to unite the people paying it, shine a light on how the system works, and push proven reforms nationwide.
Courtney Ballew, owner of Skate-O-Mania, the family roller rink in Albuquerque, New Mexico that his dad opened in 1980. You may recognize it from Stranger Things. After years of rising claims, demand letters and insurance premiums, Courtney realized his business wasn't alone, and that no one was keeping track. You can read the full story on our Our Story page.
Not yet. NCLI is currently a for-profit company. There are pros and cons to becoming a nonprofit, and we're evaluating them now. Until anything changes, paid memberships are not donations and are not tax-deductible. If our structure ever changes, we'll tell members first.
No. NCLI is not anti-lawyer, not anti-insurance, and not anti-victim. We support legitimate claims and fair compensation for people who are genuinely injured. We oppose claims that depend on the cost of defending them rather than their merits, along with coercive settlement tactics and secrecy. Honest attorneys and insurers are welcome here.
Neither. Lawsuit abuse costs Americans in every party, and both parties have failed to fix it. We put pressure on Republicans and Democrats alike.
02
Yes. Sign up with your email and you'll receive our emails, support the movement, and be able to add your business's name to the Congress Ban. No credit card required.
Paid memberships start at $9 a month. Every paid member receives the Insiders Email: a behind-the-scenes look at what we're working on, what we're developing, and our legislative agenda. Membership revenue also helps us build the national database, hire attorneys and legal researchers in every state, and bring on lobbyists as needed to put our ideas in front of Congress and state legislatures.
Paid memberships renew automatically each month (or each year, if you choose annual billing) until you cancel. You can cancel anytime from your account on ncli.com, and you'll keep paid access through the end of the period you've already paid for.
No. You don't need a business to be a target. You just need insurance, a house, a car, or a little savings someone else wants. Anyone who believes in a fair legal system is welcome. The Congress Ban is for businesses, but everyone can join, follow along, and help spread the word.
03
We're uniting one million businesses behind one message: until Congress passes meaningful term limits and serious national legal reform, members of the House and Senate are not welcome in participating NCLI businesses. Both parties. It's a peaceful, lawful protest by the people who create jobs and sign paychecks.
Joining is voluntary, and how your business takes part is up to you. We never ask anyone to confront, harass, or threaten anyone. A few states and cities have laws that protect political affiliation, so if you're unsure about yours, check with a local attorney before refusing service to anyone.
Because too many politicians are doing what's right for the next campaign, and that isn't always what's right for the country. Long careers in Washington build close ties to lobbyists and donors, including those who profit from the system as it is. Congressional term limits take a constitutional amendment, and that process starts in Congress. That's exactly why we're asking them.
04
Every situation is different, but a few general steps help most people. Don't ignore it, and note any deadlines in the letter. Notify your insurance company promptly; most policies require it, and your insurer may handle your defense. Keep copies of everything, including photos, records, and correspondence. And talk to an attorney licensed in your state before you respond or pay anything.
This is general information, not legal advice.
No. NCLI is not a law firm and doesn't provide legal advice or representation. Nothing on this site creates an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your situation, please talk to an attorney licensed in your state.
Yes, and we hope you will. Honest attorneys and insurers pay for abuse too, through higher costs, clogged courts, and damage to the reputation of everyone in their field. We want your perspective.
Add your voice, and your business, to the fight for a fair legal system.
