Brad Mock, CEO of the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR), said that the current legal system is increasing costs for consumers. The association supports efforts to pursue reforms that protect consumers while maintaining Georgia’s business-friendly environment. Mock made this statement in a recent press release.
"Georgia's unbalanced legal system is driving up costs for consumers and creating uncertainty for property owners," said Mock. "Recent court rulings have expanded landowner liability, threatening affordability and stability. Georgia REALTORS strongly support Governor Kemp's leadership in pursuing legal reforms that protect consumers and ensure Georgia remains the best place to live, work, and do business."
According to GAR, it strongly supports Governor Brian Kemp’s push for tort reform in Georgia. The organization emphasizes the need to address legal system abuses that increase costs for businesses and families while hindering economic growth. GAR President Stephen P. Walker mentioned that reform would improve Georgia’s real estate market and make homeownership more attainable. The association advocates for meaningful tort reform to reduce insurance premiums and create a more stable environment for real estate transactions, ultimately fostering economic growth in Georgia.
A report released on March 5 by the American Tort Reform Association analyzed legal services advertising in the United States. It found that over $2.5 billion was spent on more than 26.9 million ads nationwide—more than double the amount spent by all pizza restaurants on advertising during the same period. Between 2020 and 2024, legal ad spending grew significantly. In Atlanta, Georgia, legal advertising is particularly aggressive, reflecting a highly litigious environment. The report also raises concerns about the impact of these ads on public health, highlighting an FDA study that found 66 reports of adverse events, including seven deaths, after patients discontinued their blood thinner medication following exposure to a lawyer advertisement.
On January 30, Governor Kemp issued a press release announcing a comprehensive tort reform package aimed at creating fairness in Georgia’s court system. The proposal seeks to stabilize insurance costs for businesses and consumers while promoting transparency and fairness in legal proceedings. Kemp said that protecting hardworking Georgians from rising costs due to excessive litigation has become critical. The reform package is backed by industry leaders who believe it will improve the state’s business climate and legal system.
A study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform on January 24 found that rising tort costs in Georgia are placing a growing financial burden on households, impacting insurance premiums and overall cost of living. In 2022, the state’s tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses stem from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs affecting both businesses and consumers.
Mock leads GAR in advocating for real estate professionals and promoting policies supporting private property rights and economic growth in Georgia. With his understanding of the real estate industry and commitment to fostering a stable business environment, he is dedicated to advancing GAR members' interests and enhancing the state’s legal landscape.