Amicus Committee

The DRI Center for Law and Public Policy (the Center), at the recommendation of its Amicus Committee, files amicus curiae briefs in carefully selected cases that present issues of extraordinary importance to civil litigation defense lawyers, their clients, and the civil justice system. The Center may participate as amicus curiae at either the certiorari stage or the merits stage in cases pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, but only rarely files in federal court of appeals cases. Amicus support in state appellate courts will be considered only after consultation with the relevant state and local defense organization (SLDO).

The Center usually files amicus briefs in its name only. Generally, a case is considered eligible for Center participation if (i) the Center can make a meaningful and original contribution to an appeal by presenting arguments, perspectives, or information that supplements rather than duplicates the supported parties’ briefs, or the briefs of other amici curiae; (ii) the case or issues are of exceptional significance to civil litigation defense lawyers, their clients, and the civil justice system; and (iii) the positions to be advocated by the Center are consistent with DRI’s mission statement and goals.