Upward view of downtown Chicago blue skies

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

Become a Member Today Why Join DRI? ⇓
DRI 2024 Annual Meeting Seattle Space Needle greenery

DRI's 2024 Annual Meeting Is Open!

Join influential civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel to expand your network and profile in Seattle, October 16-18. Register now to save up to $900!

Learn More >>
DRI Free Webinar Series for lawyers law firms

Free Webinar Series for DRI Members

Earn up to 8.0 hours of CLE this year, included with your DRI membership!

Learn More >>
People in a group meeting diversity

Join a Committee

Put yourself in touch with other attorneys and on the path to leadership by joining any of our substantive law committees at no additional cost.

Learn More >>

Seminars & Webinars

Announcements

DRI Annual Professional Achievement and Service Award Winners

  • Published November 06, 2020
    Modified November 16, 2020
During last month’s Virtual Annual Meeting, DRI recognized the following individuals, firms, and organizations for their public service, involvement in the DRI community, and contributions to the law.

Sheryl J. Willert Pioneer Diversity Award
Raymond M. Williams, DLA Piper LLP, Philadelphia, PA

Davis Carr Outstanding Committee Chair Award
David L. Jones, Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP, Little Rock, AR (Construction Law Committee)

Kevin Driskill Outstanding State Representative Award
Jill Cranston Rice, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Morgantown, WV

Fred H. Sievert Award (Recognizing an Outstanding Defense Bar Leader)
John T. Sly (Maryland Defense Counsel)

G. Duffield Smith Outstanding Publication Award
Ryan L. Harrison, Cokinos Young, Austin, TX
Kelsey C. Osborne, Paine, Tarwater, & Bickers LLP, Knoxville, TN
Anne A. Gruner, Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia, PA
Nicholas M. Centrella, Jr., Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia, PA
Anthony L. Schumann, Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer PA, Chicago, IL

Albert H. Parnell Outstanding Program Chair Award
Caroline J. Berdzik, Goldberg Segalla LLP, Buffalo, NY  (2019 Nursing Home/ALF Litigation Seminar)

DRI Lifetime Community Service Award
Connie A. Matteo, Pfizer Inc., Peapack, NJ

Rudolph A. Janata Award (Recognizing an Outstanding Defense Bar Association)
Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel

SLDO Executive Director Award
Mary W. Gadd (Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association)

Tom Segalla Excellence in Education Award
E. Todd Presnell, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Nashville, TN

Richard H. Krochock Award (Recognizing exemplary leadership to the DRI Young
Lawyers Committee)
John F. Kuppens, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Columbia, SC

Veterans Network Meritorious Service Award
John R. Kouris, DRI, Chicago, IL

Louis B. Potter Lifetime Professional Service Award
Marc E. Williams, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Huntington, WV

Congratulations to this year’s DRI Professional Achievement and Service Award Winners!

DRI Annual Professional Achievement and Service Award Winners

  • Published November 06, 2020
    Modified November 16, 2020
During last month’s Virtual Annual Meeting, DRI recognized the following individuals, firms, and organizations for their public service, involvement in the DRI community, and contributions to the law.

Sheryl J. Willert Pioneer Diversity Award
Raymond M. Williams, DLA Piper LLP, Philadelphia, PA

Davis Carr Outstanding Committee Chair Award
David L. Jones, Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP, Little Rock, AR (Construction Law Committee)

Kevin Driskill Outstanding State Representative Award
Jill Cranston Rice, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Morgantown, WV

Fred H. Sievert Award (Recognizing an Outstanding Defense Bar Leader)
John T. Sly (Maryland Defense Counsel)

G. Duffield Smith Outstanding Publication Award
Ryan L. Harrison, Cokinos Young, Austin, TX
Kelsey C. Osborne, Paine, Tarwater, & Bickers LLP, Knoxville, TN
Anne A. Gruner, Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia, PA
Nicholas M. Centrella, Jr., Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia, PA
Anthony L. Schumann, Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer PA, Chicago, IL

Albert H. Parnell Outstanding Program Chair Award
Caroline J. Berdzik, Goldberg Segalla LLP, Buffalo, NY  (2019 Nursing Home/ALF Litigation Seminar)

DRI Lifetime Community Service Award
Connie A. Matteo, Pfizer Inc., Peapack, NJ

Rudolph A. Janata Award (Recognizing an Outstanding Defense Bar Association)
Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel

SLDO Executive Director Award
Mary W. Gadd (Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association)

Tom Segalla Excellence in Education Award
E. Todd Presnell, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Nashville, TN

Richard H. Krochock Award (Recognizing exemplary leadership to the DRI Young
Lawyers Committee)
John F. Kuppens, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Columbia, SC

Veterans Network Meritorious Service Award
John R. Kouris, DRI, Chicago, IL

Louis B. Potter Lifetime Professional Service Award
Marc E. Williams, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Huntington, WV

Congratulations to this year’s DRI Professional Achievement and Service Award Winners!

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.

Learn More

Drive Your Business with Referrals

Two hands shaking icon diversity

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

Attendees networking at a conference

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!

Woman working from home with laptop and taking notes

Webinars

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)!

Laptop opened with headphones and glasses on table

On-Demand Library

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

Man researching and taking notes

Find a Lawyer

Search for lawyers in your area by practice type and committee — and have other lawyers find you.

legalpoint

Publications

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

Corinthian Columns Courthouse

Courtroom Insight (DRI Expert Database)

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

Get Involved by Joining a Committee

Group of people brainstorming ideas

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

LawyerGuard Logo

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

Learn More Save with LawyerGuard Partner with Us

Are You Ready to Grow Your Career?

Get Started!