On behalf of DRI, the Association of Lawyers Defending Business, we are delighted to invite you to join us in Washington, D.C., October 21–23, for an Annual Meeting designed to bring our community together in powerful and meaningful ways. This year, we gather in a city built on ideas, advocacy, and impact. It is the perfect setting for conversations that will shape the future of the civil defense bar.
There is simply no better place to be in 2026 than Washington, D.C. This year, the city will serve as the epicenter for the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence, offering DRI members a rare opportunity to celebrate the American spirit in the very place where its history was written.
Beyond the historic festivities, D.C. remains the ultimate national stage for the legal issues and transformative changes that define our profession. To come together here during the Semiquincentennial is to stand at the intersection of our past and our future, making it the perfect environment to engage with the landmark shifts currently shaping the civil defense bar.
This theme captures the heart of what we aim to create: an environment where DRI members and their clients can learn, collaborate, and grow together. We’ve built a program that speaks to the challenges you face today and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Here’s what awaits you:
You’ll meet colleagues, clients, and leaders from across the country who share your dedication to excellence and your drive to move our profession forward. These conversations spark collaboration, open doors, and strengthen the fabric of our community.
Hear from Senator Joe Manchin and other leading voices who will address the issues that matter most to your clients and your practice. You’ll walk away with actionable insights and a renewed sense of direction.
Washington, D.C. offers a unique blend of history and innovation. It truly is a fitting place to think boldly about the future of the defense bar.
We look forward to welcoming you to an event that celebrates who we are, what we do, and where we’re headed. Join us for an experience that will stay with you long after the meeting concludes.

Jill Cranston Rice
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Morgantown, WV
Jill Cranston Rice is a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP and Chair of the firm’s Government Relations and Health Law Practice Group. A formidable advocate with over 25 years of experience as a registered lobbyist, Jill has successfully represented a diverse array of businesses and industry sectors before the West Virginia Legislature. She is DRI’s President-Elect and Officer Liaison for the 2026 Annual Meeting.

Allen Estes
Balch & Bingham LLP
Birmingham, AL
Allen Estes is a partner at Balch & Bingham LLP and Chair of the firm’s Litigation Section, where he leads a team of more than 120 professionals. He spends each day collaborating with Balch teams to help innovative businesses navigate and solve their most complex problems. Allen is Chair of the 2026 DRI Annual Meeting.