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DRI is the Largest Bar Association of Civil Defense Attorneys and In-House Counsel

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Financial Relief for Law Graduates: DRI Announces Law School Loan Refinancing Plan

  • Published April 25, 2018
    Modified July 09, 2020

DRI Members to Receive Exclusive Discounted Rate

CHICAGO ­– (April 24, 2018)—DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar today announced a unique and valuable program for its younger members to provide assistance in retiring their law school debt.

The average law school graduate enters the job market with crushing debt, sometimes running into six figures. The American Bar Association has estimated that the average debt incurred by law students is approximately $84,000 for public law schools and a whopping $122,000 for private law schools.

To provide relief for DRI members, DRI has joined in an exclusive relationship with Laurel Road, a national online lending and banking company to offer student loan refinancing. Laurel Road has funded over $3 billion in loans in 50 states, for a total savings of $590 million, with customers saving over $20,000 on average over the life of their loan. In addition to its already low interest rates, Laurel Road will provide DRI members with an additional discount of .25%. Discounting even further, DRI members can save an additional .25% for signing up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

“Most lawyers incur law school tuition debt,” said DRI Executive Director, John R. Kouris. “But, historically, it was nowhere near that faced by today’s graduates. This program helps young lawyers to focus more on their career and less on their debt, and we are very happy to offer it.”

Laurel Road has successfully worked with many other professional associations to offer similar refinancing benefits including:  the American Association of Physical Assistants, the American Optometric Association, and the American Dental Association. 

A no-fee, no application, easy-to-use three-step process has been created for DRI members to begin the refinancing process today.  DRI members simply need to click on www.laurelroad.com/dri to begin the process.

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About DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar

For more than fifty-five years, DRI has been the voice of the defense bar, advocating for 22,000 defense attorneys, commercial trial attorneys, and corporate counsel and defending the integrity of the civil judiciary. A thought leader, DRI provides world-class legal education, deep expertise for policy-makers, legal resources, and networking opportunities to facilitate career and law firm growth. For more information, log on to www.dri.org

Financial Relief for Law Graduates: DRI Announces Law School Loan Refinancing Plan

  • Published April 25, 2018
    Modified July 09, 2020

DRI Members to Receive Exclusive Discounted Rate

CHICAGO ­– (April 24, 2018)—DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar today announced a unique and valuable program for its younger members to provide assistance in retiring their law school debt.

The average law school graduate enters the job market with crushing debt, sometimes running into six figures. The American Bar Association has estimated that the average debt incurred by law students is approximately $84,000 for public law schools and a whopping $122,000 for private law schools.

To provide relief for DRI members, DRI has joined in an exclusive relationship with Laurel Road, a national online lending and banking company to offer student loan refinancing. Laurel Road has funded over $3 billion in loans in 50 states, for a total savings of $590 million, with customers saving over $20,000 on average over the life of their loan. In addition to its already low interest rates, Laurel Road will provide DRI members with an additional discount of .25%. Discounting even further, DRI members can save an additional .25% for signing up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

“Most lawyers incur law school tuition debt,” said DRI Executive Director, John R. Kouris. “But, historically, it was nowhere near that faced by today’s graduates. This program helps young lawyers to focus more on their career and less on their debt, and we are very happy to offer it.”

Laurel Road has successfully worked with many other professional associations to offer similar refinancing benefits including:  the American Association of Physical Assistants, the American Optometric Association, and the American Dental Association. 

A no-fee, no application, easy-to-use three-step process has been created for DRI members to begin the refinancing process today.  DRI members simply need to click on www.laurelroad.com/dri to begin the process.

###

About DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar

For more than fifty-five years, DRI has been the voice of the defense bar, advocating for 22,000 defense attorneys, commercial trial attorneys, and corporate counsel and defending the integrity of the civil judiciary. A thought leader, DRI provides world-class legal education, deep expertise for policy-makers, legal resources, and networking opportunities to facilitate career and law firm growth. For more information, log on to www.dri.org

DRI Helps Build Your Book of Business

DRI is the premier global membership organization for legal professionals dedicated to protecting the interests of businesses and individuals in civil litigation. As a member of DRI, you gain exclusive access to a wealth of resources, educational opportunities, and tools. Our mission is to empower attorneys committed to delivering top-notch, fair, and outstanding legal services to their clients and corporate entities. Join DRI to elevate your practice and stay at the forefront of excellence in the legal profession.

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Drive Your Business with Referrals

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49% of DRI members have given or received a referral in the last 2 years.

Of Those Receiving Referrals

78% Have received 2 or more referrals in the last 2 years

45% Were more than $50K

Of Those Giving Referrals

90% Have received 2 or more referrals in the last 2 years

40% Were more than $50K

Based on a 2022 survey of active DRI members.

Explore the Benefits of DRI Membership

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Seminars + Networking Opportunities

Attend an in-person event to grow your book of business, sharpen your professional skills, and earn valuable CLE. Members receive the lowest pricing!

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Take advantage of webinars on trending topics from leaders in the field. Plus, DRI Members receive 9 free webinars in 2024. Earn up to 8 CLE (value $1,350)!

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Earn CLE credit anytime and anywhere through the DRI Learning Center, with over 150 available programs.

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DRI members can access our archives and submit articles for consideration, allowing them to share their professional expertise with colleagues across the globe.

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Searching for an expert witness? Browse from over 460,000 profiles as you research your case.

Get Involved by Joining a Committee

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Joining any of DRI’s 29 committees is a great way to engage with the community, enhance your career, and grow your network. A number of the committees also have “specialized litigation groups” (SLGs) that focus on specific areas of practice. FREE for DRI Members.

Explore our Committees

DRI Helps Members Succeed

Douglas Burrell

"DRI helped me expand my network to obtain business referrals from other attorneys. If you put in the effort, DRI will certainly work for you."

Douglas Burrell, Chartwell Law

Catherine Leatherwood

"Starting my DRI involvement as a Young Lawyer has provided me with all these benefits and so many more. It has truly enhanced my career and my development as a lawyer."

Catherine Ava Leatherwood, Rogers Townsend LLC

Erik W. Snapp

"DRI is more than just a group that provides high-quality programming -- it’s a community of friends and soon-to-be friends who work together and learn from each other."

Erik W. Snapp, Dechert LLP

Meet Our Premier Corporate Partner

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DRI would like to recognize and thank our Premier Corporate Partner for their support in helping to shape the future of civil litigation.

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