General Information

DRI is the international organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. DRI provides numerous educational and informational resources to DRI members and offers many opportunities for liaison among defense trial lawyers, Corporate America, and state and local defense organizations. DRI also has an international presence, seeking to enhance understanding of the law among members of the defense community who have reason to be concerned with the expanding globalization of litigation defense. The following are DRI's goals:

  • Education: To teach and educate and to improve the skills of the defense law practitioner
  • Justice: To strive for improvement in the civil justice system
  • Balance: To be a counterpoint to the plaintiff's bar and seek balance in the justice system in the minds of potential jurors and on all fields where disputes are resolved
  • Economics: To assist members in dealing with the economic realities of the defense law practice, including the competitive legal marketplace
  • Professionalism and Service: To urge members to practice ethically and responsibly, keeping in mind the lawyer's responsibilities that go beyond the interest of the client to the good of American society as a whole

Mission Statement

DRI is the international membership organization of all lawyers involved in the defense of civil litigation.

DRI is committed to:

  • Enhancing the skills, effectiveness, and professionalism of defense lawyers; 
  • Anticipating and addressing issues germane to defense lawyers and the civil justice system;
  • Promoting appreciation of the role of the defense lawyer; and
  • Improving the civil justice system and preserving the civil jury.

Diversity Statement

DRI is the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation.

Diversity is a core value at DRI. Indeed, diversity is fundamental to the success of the organization, and we seek out and embrace the innumerable benefits and contributions that the perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences a diverse membership provides.

Inclusiveness is the chief means to increase the diversity of DRI’s membership and leadership positions. DRI’s members and potential leaders are often also members and leaders of other defense organizations. Accordingly, DRI encourages all national, state, and local defense organizations to promote diversity and inclusion in their membership and leadership.

History

Awards

Each year DRI's Annual Professional Achievement and Service Awards celebrate and honor outstanding performance by state and local defense organizations (SLDO's), DRI law firms, and individuals. The Awards are presented at DRI's Annual Meeting held in October. CLICK HERE to view the brochure.

Scholarships

DRI offers a Law Student Diversity Scholarship program open to incoming second and third-year African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pan Asian and Native American students. Incoming Second and third-year female law students are also eligible regardless of race or ethnicity. Two (2) scholarships in the amount of $10,000 each will be awarded to successful applicants. Recipents of the scholarships are announced at the DRI Diversity for Success Seminar in June.

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