2024 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Premier Sponsor Arcuity
2024 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Premier Sponsor Arcuity

2024 Annual Meeting

This Year’s Annual Meeting Is Where Relationships Build Business!

Engage with the most influential civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel from across the country at the DRI Annual Meeting in Seattle. From October 16-18, connect with peers and leaders in your field, promote your practice, grow your expertise, and more.

Make every moment count by staying at the center of the action. Reserve your hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Seattle by September 17.

Mark your calendar for our exciting lineup of keynote speakers:

Bill Bradley We Can All Do BetterHear from two-time NBA champion, former US Senator, and star of the new Max documentary Bill Bradley: Rolling Along Bill Bradley as he teaches us how to meaningfully connect with those around us. Throughout his storied career, Bradley has worked with individuals from all backgrounds on and off the court. Now, he’s ready to share his stories with you. Join us as he offers a concise, powerful, and highly personal review of the state of the nation, illustrating how we can move our country forward when the path is unclear.

Rick Steves Travel as a Political ActEmbark on a journey with public television host, best-selling author, and activist Rick Steves of Rick Steves' Europe as he delves into the intersection between travel and politics and shares his perspective on travel as a political act. Like Bradley, Steves understands the crucial role that empathy plays in our interactions with others. He has helped millions connect with new cultures and communities as he documents his travels through Europe. Join us as he reveals how Americans can broaden their perspective through travel—and why it’s ultimately a powerful political act.

DRI’s 2024 Annual Meeting is where relationships build business, so this year we’ve brought back some of the great opportunities at our Annual Meeting to further enhance your knowledge base and make meaningful connections. Some opportunities include:

  1. On-site CLE offerings including CLE on the Go.
  2. Reimagined networking receptions to help promote significant interactions.
  3. Committee meetings, including opportunities for peer engagement and philanthropy.
  4. Complimentary on-site Business and Bites to connect with fellow attendees.

Click here for our full agenda. See you this fall!

Not yet registered? Register today and don't miss the flagship event of the year!

The Center

New White Paper Addresses MDM Risks in 2024 Elections and Beyond

The DRI Center for Law and Public Policy’s latest white paper, written by members of its Data Privacy and Protection Working Group, was prepared to provide examples of recent campaigns to spread misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM), which the World Economic Forum selected as the most severe short-term risk the world faces in 2024. The paper explains why these risks should be on the radar of DRI members; provides insights into how MDM campaigns work; gives examples of actions being taken by countries around the globe to confront this risk; and provides recommendations on actions that DRI members, their clients, and others can take to combat MDM risks in the 2024 elections and beyond.

DRI_The Voice_SEA Banner Ad_728x90_Knife_Feb_2024

Annual Professional Achievement and Service Award

DRI Announces its 2024 Award Recipients

Holding a trophy banner

DRI’s Annual Professional Achievement and Service Awards celebrate and honor outstanding performance by state, local, and national defense organizations (SLDOs/NDOs), DRI law firms, and individual members.

These awards identify peers who deserve recognition either for their professional contributions to, and achievements on behalf of, the defense bar and the civil justice system or their involvement in community and public service activities that have a positive impact on society at large. Recognition enhances members’ personal growth and accomplishments, provides us all with role models and strengthens members’ images in the legal and business communities and with the general public.

Winners will be recognized at the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting closing reception on Friday, October 18 in Seattle.

The 2024 award recipients are as follows:

ALBERT H. PARNELL OUTSTANDING PROGRAM CHAIR AWARD
Nick A. Rauch, Larson King | 2024 Litigation Skills Seminar

DAVIS CARR OUTSTANDING COMMITTEE CHAIR AWARD
Michelle Thurber Czapski, Bodman | Life, Health and Disability Committee

DRI FOUNDATION COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Jodi V. Terranova, Wilson Elser | DRI Foundation President

DRI LAW FIRM/CORPORATE LEGAL DEPARTMENT DIVERSITY AWARD
The Hartford

DRI SLDO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AWARD
Ana Ramos, Florida Defense Lawyers Association

FRED H. SIEVERT AWARD
Heather A. Sanderson, Canadian Defence Lawyers

G. DUFFIELD SMITH OUTSTANDING PUBLICATION AWARD
Afam I. Okeke, InfoLawGroup
"Deepfakes: Navigating Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks,” September 2023 For The Defense

KEVIN DRISKILL OUTSTANDING STATE REPRESENTATIVE AWARD
Juan M. Marquez, Jr., Rodey Law Firm | New Mexico

LOUIS B. POTTER LIFETIME PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Kathy J. Maus, Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig

RICHARD H. KROCHOCK AWARD
Brett A. Mason, Troutman Pepper | Young Lawyers Committee Immediate Past Chair

RUDOLPH A. JANATA AWARD
Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association

SLDO DIVERSITY AWARD
Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana

TOM SEGALLA EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD
Lawrence S. Ebner, Capital Appellate Advocacy

VETERANS NETWORK MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
David A. Anderson, Richardson, Plowden & Robinson

To learn more about the awards and to view past recipients, check out our 2024 awards brochure (PDF).

DRI Foundation

Reflections on Connections

By Christopher J. Pyles

Be well. It is a common closing on calls and in e-mails, and I hope I never take it for granted. Your wellness is important to me, and to DRI. DRI For Life recognizes that for all the positives in our jobs, law can be “challenging, stressful and draining.” DRI offers programming and resources (shameless plug, learn more at DRI for Life). The site also says “DRI for Life is where our members help each other. DRI’s members have their own stories to tell.”

Much of the negativity in our work seems to flow from stigma and isolation, but our stories connect us. They remind us that stigmas are often overblown, and that we’re really not alone. But as a self-proclaimed introvert, I know sharing stories can be hard. I don’t feel confident remembering names and faces, crowds can overwhelm me, and deep (deep) down I sometimes worry that I may like Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” just a little too much. But much to my surprise, I’m having more fun than ever connecting with colleagues from all across the country. It seems odd for an introvert, but it works because I’m not trying to meet all 16,000 DRI members; I’m just enjoying one conversation at a time.

For me, learning to connect has been a little like distance running. In that spirit, I’ll share one of my favorite reads with you: “I Hate Running and You Can Too” by Brendan Leonard. Some have said I like it because the book is short and has cartoonish pictures and charts. OK, true. But more importantly the author humorously walks through how to break a big scary task into small manageable parts. And the context of running appeals to me. Early in the book, Leonard shares a story about Alex Honnold (of Free Solo fame) encouraging his 55 year old mother to run a mile, then a little more... and she eventually runs a marathon because she “started small and eventually went big.” Distance running demands time building a foundation, creating small achievable steps, and putting in consistent long-term effort. Lots of sore miles, bad weather, and mean dogs later, you realize that you pushed yourself to a new level and it was… Fun. The great runner Meb Keflezighi has said “Most of us have enough areas in our lives where we have to meet others' expectations. Let your running be about your own hopes and dreams.” Connecting can be like that too.

My first DRI Annual Meeting felt like running a marathon without training. I walked into a huge room full of hundreds of people, and they all seemed to know each other well. I was unprepared, soon overwhelmed, and then discouraged. Not the best start, but like a bad run, you bounce back with a plan and renewed effort. I joined the state organization, went to a few events, and met local colleagues. I can’t “work a crowd” but I’m pretty comfortable learning about the hobbies and passions of individuals. Soon I went to an SLDO annual meeting, where I now knew a few people. I went to a DRI substantive law seminar, and while that was daunting too, now I knew to stay for the steering committee meeting, where I could easily meet a few people at a time. My DRI journey was like a 5K, 10K, and a half marathon progression: slow start, steady progress, and rewarding in both expected and unexpected ways.

Connecting is part of wellness. I’ve learned that DRI isn’t a faceless crowd of 16,000 lawyers; it is individuals with great stories to share. I’ve learned about pickle forks, derchos, ghost tours, and whether I can evade a hungry alligator by running zigzag. I’ve met DRI lawyers who are gymnasts, writers, world travelers, snow boarders, and artists. I’ve teamed up with colleagues to do the Rocky Run and Pony Up, make meal packets for hungry kids, and clean a Ronald McDonald House. Introverted me didn’t notice “the crowd” because I was having too much fun getting to know people. And when the job gets tough, those folks hear my stories, and share their insights and sometimes similar experiences. It helps.

This job is hard. We stress and worry, but we don’t have to face those things alone. DRI for Life has programming and resources for everyone, and DRI helps us connect with each other. As we head to Seattle next month, or wherever we meet, take the time and make the effort to hear and share those stories. One step at a time, one mile at a time, one person at a time. Have fun. Be well.

Chris-PylesChristopher J. Pyles is Managing Partner at Sulloway & Hollis PLLC. He is an at-large member of the DRI Foundation.

2024 Annual Meeting

Get your Grunge on for DRI for Life’s Legendary Run/Walk!

DRI 2024 Annual Meeting Join us for DRI for Life Grunge Run/Walk Oct 17 7:00am

Join DRI for Life at DRI’s 2024 Annual Meeting for a morning run or walk from the Hyatt Regency Seattle lobby.

There will be leaders for various pace groups, including a walking group and the option to Uber back to the hotel for those not interested in the full round trip. Pack your flannel: grunge-themed costumes are welcome!

The first 100 participants will receive a special gift, so don’t be late! Learn more about the run/walk.

NADN-June-2022_DRI_Voice_eNewsletter__Const_300x250 - Copy
DRI 2024 Annual Meeting Register Now
2024 Cannabis Law Virtual Seminar Register Now September 19

From DRI CEO Dean Martinez

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

As we prepare to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in 2024, we at DRI believe it is essential to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of Hispanic individuals to the association space and beyond.

This article shines a light on Dean Martinez, CEO of DRI.

Dean Martinez: A Hispanic CEO Making a Difference

As CEO of DRI, Dean leads the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. Dean is a first-generation Cuban-American whose parents came to the United States after fleeing communist Cuba. Although they themselves had limited education, Dean’s immigrant parents instilled in him the importance of being a leader in your community and earning an education. As a result, Dean has a Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a J.D. from the School of Law at Loyola University Chicago. He is an attorney who has spent over 20 years leading wide-ranging association activities and high-visibility government projects. Prior to joining DRI, Dean spent 11 years with APICS/ASCM. He served as its General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer, and he also worked for four years as the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, where he was responsible for a $450 million annual budget and over 800 employees.

Under his leadership, DRI has actively promoted diversity of thought and provided opportunities for underrepresented groups in the legal profession while broadly advocating for the integrity of the defense bar. Experienced as both an attorney and corporate leader, Dean continually emphasizes the importance of embracing different perspectives and backgrounds within the legal community.

When asked about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and expanding opportunities for Hispanic leaders, Dean said: “Now more than ever I believe the importance of ensuring we have diversity of thought in all of our decision-making to ensure we can meet the needs of our members and the civil diverse bar. The only way to have diversity of thought is by having a diverse team.”

Hispanic Leadership in Associations

The Hispanic community has made some strides in leadership positions across countless sectors, including associations and nonprofits. The representation of Hispanic professionals in executive roles within these organizations has been steadily growing. However, there is still much work to be done.

According to data from the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Hispanics hold about 4% of corporate board positions in the United States and Puerto Rico. However, less than 4% of Hispanics serve as CEOs, despite the Hispanic population being projected to increase to 119 million—28.6% of the nation’s population—by 2060. Furthermore, the organization reported that in 2021, Latinas represented just under 3% percent of corporate executives and less than 2% percent of board directors. The opportunity—and need—for improvement in this space is clear.

The Road Ahead

While Dean’s story is inspiring, DRI acknowledges that there is still work to be done in increasing the representation of Hispanic executives and CEOs across all industries. Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the rich blend of cultures and backgrounds that make up the US and the incredible potential that lies within the Hispanic community.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs September 15 to October 15 in the US, we celebrate leaders like Dean, whose leadership and dedication have made a significant impact in their respective fields. As we continue to recognize and uplift Hispanic leaders, we should also reflect on the progress made in increasing Hispanic representation in executive roles.

It is our hope that, in the years to come, representation for Hispanic association executives and CEOs will continue to grow. The stories of leaders like Dean serve as a reminder to us to strive for a more inclusive environment, where everyone can make a lasting positive impact.

Amicus Update

Center Brief Urges SCOTUS to Curb Expansive Liability Under False Claims Act

Massaron_Mary Combs_Briana

The DRI Center for Law and Public Policy (the Center) has filed an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in Wisconsin Bell, Inc. v. United States of America Ex Rel. Todd Heath in support of Petitioner Wisconsin Bell. The Center’s brief was written by Mary Massaron, a former DRI president and partner of Plunkett Cooney PC in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Briana Combs, an appellate associate at the firm, who is active in the DRI Young Lawyers Committee, serving as the liaison to the DRI Appellate Advocacy Committee.

The issue before the Supreme Court concerns the False Claims Act and whether reimbursement requests submitted to the E-Rate Program are “claims” under the Act. The E-Rate program (i.e., the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Program) was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which directs the FCC to advance universal access to telecommunications services. The E-Rate program furnishes discounted services to eligible schools and libraries by allowing service providers to bid on the lowest price for services and subsidizing the cost of service. The program is funded by private money—the funding is drawn from the Universal Service Fund, which receives its funds from the contributions of private telecommunications carriers. The Universal Service Administrative Company, a private nonprofit organization, administers the Fund. Upon receipt of E-Rate services, the school or library either 1) pays the service provider full price and then submits a request to the Administrative Company for partial reimbursement, or 2) pays a discounted price to the service provider and the provider will then submit a reimbursement request for the balance.

In its opinion, the Seventh Circuit held that the reimbursement requests submitted by Wisconsin Bell counted as False Claims Act claims.

In support of Wisconsin Bell’s position, the Center argued that the Supreme Court should reverse the Seventh Circuit’s ruling because it defies decisions of several circuit courts of appeals, including the Fifth Circuit’s decision in U.S. ex rel. Shupe v. Cisco Sys., Inc., 759 F.3d 379 (5th Cir. 2014). DRI explained that the Seventh Circuit’s decision 1) improperly applies the False Claims Act to allegations of fraud that do not and could not result in financial loss to the federal government, 2) holds that a private company qualifies as an “agent” of the federal government, thereby improperly expanding the reach of the False Claims Act to government-adjacent private actors, and 3) holds that the government “provided” the E-Rate funds even though the funds are private funds and there is no possible harm to the public fisc.

The issue presented is important to DRI and its membership because DRI members represent clients who routinely interact with government-adjacent, albeit private, entities. DRI’s interest further stems from its members’ need to protect their clients and to ensure that the bounds of the False Claims Act are not impermissibly expanded beyond requests for money “provided” by the federal government or made to an “agent” of the United States, as explicitly set forth by Congress.

If the Seventh Circuit’s decision is allowed to stand, the holding on the agency issue is particularly troubling because it opens the floodgates to a new set of claims whenever a defendant seeks private funds from a private entity, albeit one “established or overseen” by the federal government. The reach of the Seventh Circuit’s opinion is not limited to the E-rate program. Rather, the opinion permits application of the False Claims Act to a host of additional interactions with government-adjacent entities, including federally chartered private corporations. This includes, for example, Fannie May and Freddie Mac—two of the nation’s leading sources of mortgage financing. The potential to apply the False Claims Act to purely private losses turns the False Claims Act on its head and expands the reach of the Act well beyond its intended role of securing restitution for the government of money taken from it by fraud. Contrary to the Seventh Circuit’s holding, the False Claims Act was not designed to reach every kind of fraud, and the Act is not an all-purpose anti-fraud statute. As DRI explained in its brief, if the Seventh Circuit’s decision is permitted to stand, the reach of the False Claims Act would become almost boundless. This is not what Congress intended when it enacted the False Claims Act.

2024 Asbestos Medicine Seminar November 6-8 Las Vegas Nevada
2024 Appellate Advocacy Seminar November 6-8 Las Vegas Nevada
Buy the Bundle and Save 25% Young Lawyer Webinar Series

Partner Content: LawyerGuard Tip of the Month

ABA Issues Formal Opinion 512 on Generative AI-Related Ethics Issues

QBE North America logo Attorneys Risk Management BN LawyerGuard Logo

On July 29, 2024, the ABA’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued Formal Opinion 512, titled “Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools.” The opinion emphasizes lawyers’ duties of competence (RPC 1.1), as well as identifying other areas in which the use of generative AI might implicated ethics concerns: confidentiality (RPC 1.6), communication (RPC 1.4), meritorious claims and contentions (RPC 3.1), candor towards the tribunal (RPC 3.3), supervisory responsibilities (RPC 5.1-.3) and charging reasonable fees (RPC 1.5). The opinion should be read in its entirety, but here’s a summary:

RPC 1.1 Competence: “To competently use a GAI tool in a client representation, lawyers need not become GAI experts. Rather, lawyers must have a reasonable understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the specific GAI technology that the lawyer might use. This means that lawyers should either acquire a reasonable understanding of the benefits and risks of the GAI tools that they employ in their practices or draw on the expertise of others who can provide guidance about the relevant GAI tool’s capabilities and limitations.”

RPC 1.6 Confidentiality of Information: “A lawyer using GAI must be cognizant of the duty under Model Rule 1.6 to keep confidential all information relating to the representation of a client, regardless of its source, unless the client gives informed consent, disclosure is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation, or disclosure is permitted by an exception. … In considering whether information relating to any representation is adequately protected, lawyers must assess the likelihood of disclosure and unauthorized access, the sensitivity of the information,28 the difficulty of implementing safeguards, and the extent to which safeguards negatively impact the lawyer’s ability to represent the client.”

RPC 1.4 Communication: “The facts of each case will determine whether Model Rule 1.4 requires lawyers to disclose their GAI practices to clients or obtain their informed consent to use a particular GAI tool. Depending on the circumstances, client disclosure may be unnecessary.”

RPC 3.1 Meritorious Claims and Contentions: “As a matter of competence, as previously discussed, lawyers should review for accuracy all GAI outputs. In judicial proceedings, duties to the tribunal likewise require lawyers, before submitting materials to a court, to review these outputs, including analysis and citations to authority, and to correct errors, including misstatements of law and fact, a failure to include controlling legal authority, and misleading arguments.”

RPC 5.1-.3 Supervisory Responsibilities: “Managerial lawyers must create effective measures to ensure that all lawyers in the firm conform to the rules of professional conduct, and supervisory lawyers must supervise subordinate lawyers and nonlawyer assistants to ensure that subordinate lawyers and nonlawyer assistants conform to the rules. … Managerial lawyers must establish clear policies regarding the law firm’s permissible use of GAI, and supervisory lawyers must make reasonable efforts to ensure that the firm’s lawyers and nonlawyers comply with their professional obligations when using GAI tools.”

RPC 1.5 Fees: “[B]efore charging the client for the use of the GAI tools or services, the lawyer must explain the basis for the charge, preferably in writing. … If a lawyer uses a GAI tool to draft a pleading and expends 15 minutes to input the relevant information into the GAI program, the lawyer may charge for the 15 minutes as well as for the time the lawyer expends to review the resulting draft for accuracy and completeness. … The factors set forth in Rule 1.5(a) also apply when evaluating the reasonableness of charges for GAI tools when the lawyer and client agree on a flat or contingent fee. For example, if using a GAI tool enables a lawyer to complete tasks much more quickly than without the tool, it may be unreasonable under Rule 1.5 for the lawyer to charge the same flat fee when using the GAI tool as when not using it.”

None of these issues are new to this discussion, but as generative AI continues to evolve, so will lawyers’ duties. If you or your firm want assistance with crafting policies or strategies related to the use of generative AI, contact us to talk with one of our senior risk management counsel.

Have risk management or ethics questions? We’re here to help. To obtain a consultation, you should log in to Attorneys Risk Management, and click on the “Request a Risk Management Consultation” button.

DRI Publications

Join Us for a Refresher on The Brief Case: DRI Committee News

DRI SUBSTANTIVE LAW COMMITTEE (SLC) PUBLICATION LEADERS,

Please join DRI Director of Communications Jasmina Basic and members Jody Corbett and Matt Nelson for a meeting to review DRI’s The Brief Case: DRI Committee News publication, touching on the specific topics below:

  1. What is The Brief Case and what is its purpose?
  2. What types of articles/items have been included?
  3. What other types of articles would be welcome?
  4. What do we need to do to get information into The Brief Case?

Publication leaders, we hope you will be able to attend this meeting to present any questions or shares successes you’ve had to date with this committee newsletter format. SLC chairs and vice chairs, we would love to have you join, as well, but your attendance is optional. A calendar invite for the virtual call has been distributed to these individuals. If you are involved in publications for your committee but have not received this invite, please reach out to Jasmina at submissions@dri.org.

The Center Update

New Appointments

Caldwell_Logan Miller_Tara Martens

The Center for Law and Public Policy continues to grow and is pleased to announce the appointment of two more DRI members to its State Legislation and Rules Task Force: Logan Caldwell and Tara Martens Miller. Logan is an associate in the Bismarck, North Dakota, office of Crowley Fleck PLLP and a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Natural Resources & Environmental Law Practice Groups. Tara is counsel with Snell & Wilmer LLP in Boise, Idaho, where she has over 25 years of experience in guiding clients through a wide range of business, construction, real estate, and employment disputes and transactions.

The Center’s State Legislation and Rules Task Force coordinates activities and collaboration related to state and local defense organizations (SLDOs). The Center may assist, upon request, SLDOs concerned about legislation or rule issues in their state.

The State Legislation and Rules Task Force is requesting members for the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • New Mexico
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming

If you are interested in joining, please contact TheCenter@dri.org.

Marklein_NicoleThe Center is also pleased to welcome the newest member of the Social Inflation Task Force: Nicole Marklein.  Nicole is an attorney with Cross Jenks Mercer & Maffei LLP in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where she specializes in the areas of employment law, civil and insurance defense litigation, and alternative family planning.

DRI BLOG

Have you read Court & Counsel: The DRI Blog?

BLOG LOGO FINAL

  • Looking to master legal writing?
  • Wondering how to maximize your law firm's marketing strategies?
  • Need support in nailing down your work-life balance?

Read tips on these topics and more on Court & Counsel: The DRI Blog.

With posts designed to complement your legal practice with relevant, high-quality, and original content tailored to lawyers and law firms, Court & Counsel is here to support you in your work.

Check out our archive for the information you need to succeed in your practice today.

My Communities

DRI Hub Happenings

Join your fellow DRI Members in the DRI Hub online community and engage in a variety of conversations. This past month, several members have posted about fun topics like sharing a photo of your pet or what your favorite meal was this summer. Members are also seeking experts on various topics.

Join the conversation and share your insights today!

DRI Foundation

Give Back This Month Through the DRI Foundation’s International Day of Service

Join DRI's 3rd Annual International Day Service to support a charity of your choice

Join the DRI Foundation for the International Day of Service this month. It’s not too late to get involved and plan your service project for this year’s International Day of Service!

The DRI Foundation, along with participating state, local, and national defense organizations (SLDOs/NDOs), is hosting its third International Day of Service.

The Foundation is asking SLDOs/NDOs to hold a service project of their choice, irrespective of size or scope, anytime during the month of September—and then let us know about it! Participation will give SLDOs/NDOs the chance to give back to the community; strengthen relationships with DRI members and SLDOs/NDOs across the nation; assist in membership development; and generate positive publicity. It’s as simple as that—hold a service project in September and share it with us. All you need to do now is plan your activity!

To get started, complete this short form with the name of your organization, your service project details and date, and the contact person for your organization. DRI will follow up to request a short article and picture of your service project, which may be publicized in DRI’s publications and on social media.

There is still time to participate! The DRI Foundation welcomes all SLDOs/NDOs to be part of the International Day of Service. Please register your service project here.

The DRI Foundation is committed to giving back to DRI members, their communities, and the cities that host DRI events. Proceeds raised by the DRI Foundation go directly toward funding and fostering initiatives that make a difference, including diversity programs, healthy living programs, and more.

Share Your Project for 2024!

And the Defense Wins

DRI Members Share Their Victories

Click "Continue Reading" to see DRI members share their stories on their success.

Huie Attorney Secures Defense Verdict for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Huie attorney Tom Bazemore and colleagues recently secured a defense verdict for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (“FCA”), an automotive manufacturing client, in a product liability trial in Missouri.

The product liability lawsuit arose from a two-vehicle crash, which included a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan that rear-ended another vehicle. Plaintiffs alleged that the Dodge Grand Caravan was defective and unreasonably dangerous for failing to be equipped with Forward Collision Warning (“FCW”) and Automatic Emergency Braking (“AEB”) systems, which Plaintiffs alleged would have prevented the collision. This was the first Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (“ADAS”) case tried by FCA.

Throughout the trial, Huie attorneys proved to the jury that the crash resulted from reckless driving by the operator of the Dodge Grand Caravan. FCW and AEB systems require an alert, attentive, and responsible driver to react, and these technologies are designed to redirect a driver’s attention back to the road - they are not designed or capable of eliminating reckless driving. They also proved that the subject 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan was not defective and unreasonably dangerous without FCW and AEB systems. The jury returned a unanimous defense verdict for FCA.

This was one of the first ADAS cases tried by an automotive manufacturer, and it is anticipated that this area of automotive product liability will continue to grow as these emerging technologies develop further.

A Double Dose of Victory for Hinkle Law Firm LLC Medical Malpractice Team!

Lead counsel Greg Young and an associate secured a defense verdict in a high-stakes wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuit involving the suicide of an emergency room patient. Hinkle defended the care provided by the emergency room physician. The jury found that care provided was within the standard of care and did not cause the patient’s suicide. Plaintiff was claiming $2 million in damages due to the death of the 44-year-old patient.

In addition, Greg also recently secured a 2nd unanimous defense verdict in another medical malpractice wrongful death jury trial, where the jury found the hospitalist physician met the standard of care and did not cause the patient’s death. The jury rejected the $1.5 million claim after 6 days of trial. This case involved the in-patient death in a rehabilitation hospital.

DRI Member News

Congratulations to DRI Members for Their Achievements

If you have a recent achievement or recognition that you would like featured, email your news to membership@dri.org. Please note that DRI reserves the right to review all accomplishments to ensure they are adequate for publishing. All submissions will be reviewed for relevance and compliance with DRI’s mission. Submissions may be edited to conform with our standards, and space limitations.

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC announced on July 30, 2024 that it will merge with the Christie Law Group PLLC effective September 1. Baker Sterchi is a Midwest-based civil litigation trial defense firm with 38 DRI members. Christie Law Group is a Seattle-based law firm with extensive trial experience and strong focus on civil litigation defense with four DRI members, including past DRI Board of Director Robert L. Christie, member since 2013. Baker Sterchi is a DRI Enterprise Member.

Kristi Bankston has joined Lewis Brisbois as a Partner located in Atlanta, GA. She is a member of the General Liability Practice. Kristi has been a DRI member since 2024.

Cristina P. Cambo and Katelyn Mae Ferry have launched Cambo Ferry, PLLC in Maitland, FL each as Partner and Founding Member, along with a team of eight seasoned attorneys. The new firm will focus on legal representation in insurance disputes and business matters. Cristina has been a DRI member since 2023 and Katelyn has been a DRI member since 2020.

Kelly Petter is one of the six lawyers at Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP who have been elevated to Equity Partner. Her practice includes insurance defense, insurance coverage and legacy reinsurance. Kelly has been a DRI member since 2021.

Danielle M. Waltz will join the West Virginia University Health System as Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs and Associate General Counsel on Monday, September 23. In this newly created position, she will advocate for public policies that support patients, providers, and hospitals for the WVU Medicine community. Danielle is currently a Partner at Dinsmore, has been a DRI member since 2006 and serves on DRI’s Board of Directors.

Substantive Law Committee Corner

DRI Launches New Asbestos Litigation Committee

By Evelyn Fletcher Davis, Committee Chair

Asbestos litigation has not, as predicted, gone the way of the dinosaur. Rather, the cases are still consistently being filed, involve more and more complex legal and scientific issues, and run the risk of higher jury verdicts. Indeed, defending these cases presents ever changing challenges due to evolving and new strategies from the plaintiffs’ bar.

For 50 years, DRI has supported asbestos defense attorneys through its premier, nationally renowned annual Asbestos Medicine Seminar. Given the increasing attention and pressure in asbestos litigation, especially cases involving mesothelioma, DRI has committed to doing more.

Traditionally, those of us who defend asbestos cases were without a substantive law committee home. Our cases were “sort of” toxic tort claims and “sort of” product liability claims. Recognizing that dilemma, DRI is proud to announce the formation of the Asbestos Litigation Substantive Law Committee. As with other DRI SLCs, the primary objective of the committee will be to provide members with the most current and reliable scientific, medical, and legal information available so we can develop the strongest defenses possible.

The Asbestos Medicine Seminar has proven to be the most comprehensive and high-quality seminar available for the many lawyers across the country who defend asbestos claims. That will not change, and the seminar will continue to focus on cutting-edge issues involved in asbestos litigation.

The committee will supplement the annual seminar with new and exciting publications, information sharing platforms, webinars, and other asbestos litigation-related activities. Further, it will make the most current scientific, medical, and legal information available to members through an information sharing network that facilitates the exchange of information about plaintiffs’ and defense experts. We also will focus on hosting union, Navy, and bankrupt trust documentation on the platform for apportionment development. This will ensure that the committee members have access to the most current depositions, documents, and other information.

DRI is delighted to provide this new opportunity to its asbestos litigators, many of whom are the most experienced asbestos defense trial attorneys in the country. The goal of committee membership includes fostering the special camaraderie of professionals dedicated to providing the best defenses for individual clients and to the industry in general. If your practice is dedicated in whole or in part to the defense of asbestos cases, don’t miss the opportunity to join the Asbestos Litigation Committee!

Want to get involved? 

Evelyn Fletcher DavisEvelyn Fletcher Davis is Senior Partner at Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP.

SLDO News

DRI SLDO Free Membership Program

There is still time to participate in DRI’s State and Local Defense Organizations (SLDO) Free Membership Program. SLDO members can join DRI for the first time at no cost for the first year. As in 2023, the program will include former DRI members who haven’t had a DRI membership in at least 5 years. Learn more about the program and participating SLDOs.

If your SLDO is not yet participating in the SLDO Free Membership Program, please contact Nicole Harris at nharris@dri.org for more information.

Leadership Updates 

Several State, Local, and National Defense Organizations hosted their Annual Meetings in recent weeks. DRI members assumed new officer roles at the conclusion of the following business meetings.   

  • Association of Defense Counsel
    • Thomas Wyatt (DRI member since 2018) as President
    • Stuart Miller (DRI member since 2000) as President-Elect
    • Michelle Ator (DRI member since 2006) as Secretary
    • Jay Sayes (DRI member since 2014) as Treasurer
    • Baxter Drennon (DRI member since 2010) as State Representative
    • Shane Baker (DRI member since 2022) as Immediate Past President
  • Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel
    • Scott Toomey (DRI member since 2012) as President
  • Wisconsin Defense Counsel
    • Heather Nelson (DRI member since 2022) as President
    • Grace Kulkoski (DRI member since 2022) as President Elect
    • Monte Weiss (DRI member since 2012) as Immediate Past President

New Members and Advocates

DRI Welcomes the Following Members and Advocates

New Members

  • Kent M. Adams, Houston, TX
  • Keith B. O'Connell, San Antonio, TX
  • Joseph Blizzard, Dallas, TX
  • Adrienne Babette Roberson, Edmond, OK
  • Steve Elliott, Nashville, TN
  • Joseph J. Tierney, Jr., Charleston, SC
  • Todd P. Lewis, Fayetteville, AR
  • Perre Cabell, Bay Saint Louis, MS
  • David Paul Pritchett, Las Vegas, NV
  • Adam R. Bialek, New York, NY
  • Joseph A. Hargraves, Jr., Saint Louis, MO
  • J. Alexander Barnstead, Indianapolis, IN
  • Steven Brett Holsombeck, Birmingham, AL
  • Amy Epstein Gluck, Washington, DC
  • Elyssia Musolino, Monrovia, CA
  • Nicole Brodie Jackson, Seattle, WA
  • Patrick K. Coughlin, Morristown, NJ
  • Courtney Christopher, Las Vegas, NV
  • Christopher Casher, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • Isaac Prevost, Seattle, WA
  • Reto Jenny, Zürich, Switzerland
  • Kelly R. Houk, Bloomfield Hills, MI
  • CarinneMurphy, Fair Lawn, NJ
  • Sheila Jessee, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Lyra Foster, Atlanta, GA
  • Chelsey Johnson, Houston, TX
  • Frank O'Hale, Raleigh, NC
  • Cynthia A. Palin, Irvine, CA
  • Jeffrey John Niesz, Minneapolis, MN
  • Justin M. Gonzales, Harrison Township, MI
  • Anna Claypool, Portland, OR
  • Patrick Hogan Crosby, Jr., New Orleans, LA
  • Shirley E. Jamneshan, Irvine, CA
  • Jason Elam, New Orleans, LA
  • Carli M. Marshall, Albuquerque, NM
  • Pablo A. Seifert, Albuquerque, NM
  • Elizabeth Sandoval, Houston, TX
  • Jessica Wachstein, Voorhees Township (Camden County), NJ
  • Keren Rigerman, Staten Island, NY
  • Pamela Albanese, Los Angeles, CA
  • Collin Keyser, Lancaster, PA
  • Thomas Whaling, Columbus, OH
  • Samuel Spinner, Miami, FL
  • Carmine Joseph Broccole, Long Island City, NY
  • Patrick Kukla, Saint Clair Shores, MI
  • Alexander H. Park, Phoenix, AZ
  • Pamela Nelson, Jacksonville, FL
  • Jestina Mascaro, Boston, MA
  • Aaron Paul Gilligan, Seattle, WA
  • Benjamin Jacobs, Bryn Mawr, PA
  • Joel Gerson, Los Angeles, CA
  • Talia Sukol Karas, Pepper Pike, OH
  • Matt Nicholson, Vestavia, AL
  • Griffin Terry Sumner, Louisville, KY
  • Catherine I. Mullaley, Boston, MA
  • Bradley Paul Hawkins, Tampa, FL
  • Alison Vitacolonna, Huntington Beach, CA
  • Gordon Lea, Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Karen Green, Lake Charles, LA
  • Robert Norton, Birmingham, AL
  • Geoffrey D. Marsh, Ashland, KY
  • Thomas Payne, Portland, OR
  • John Nolen, Los Angeles, CA
  • Donald R. Becker, Louisville, KY
  • Nina Ilene Webb-Lawton, Columbus, OH
  • Anthony Bills, Nashville, TN
  • Terri Leigh Bernal, Nashville, TN
  • Alex Kinzinger, Atlanta, GA
  • Scott Jurchisin, Saint Paul, MN
  • Meredith E. Schwager, Columbus, OH
  • Margo Elizabeth Meta, Columbus, OH
  • Lesley Floyd, Memphis, TN
  • Roksolana Murkis, River Edge, NJ
  • Brian Lee Carter, Tulsa, OK
  • Matthew F. Stowe, Columbus, OH
  • Kasey S. Farmer, Chattanooga, TN
  • Michael Holtmann, Coral Gables, FL
  • Jed W. Isbell, Tulsa, OK
  • Garrett Simpson, Greenville, SC
  • Ashley Ramstad, Bloomington, MN
  • Matthew David Flores, Rockford, IL
  • Christopher Droubay, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Courtney Robinson, Houston, TX
  • Michael D. Handler, Seattle, WA
  • Ann Michailenko Wilson, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Joanna Calderon, Los Angeles, CA
  • Dennis Dorsey, Greensboro, NC
  • Zoe Henrikson, Greenville, SC
  • Tyler Normandia, Athens, GA
  • Yu Up David Lee, Norcross, GA
  • Diana Sisum, Philadelphia, PA
  • Roxana Barsalona, New York, NY
  • Christian Jacob Russell Goerner, Atlanta, GA
  • Justin L. Hall, Tulsa, OK
  • Jacob Lentsch, Ft Mitchell, KY
  • Nicholas William Chiado, Albuquerque, NM
  • Jeffrey K. Van Etten, New York, NY
  • Jill Plesh, Irvine, CA
  • Joseph Kagan, Alpine, CA
  • Maggie Carol Gosselin, Homewood, IL
  • Lauren A. Huston, Birmingham, AL
  • Jaime K. Quezon, Ft Lauderdale, FL
  • Amanda Laura Piccininni, Tampa, FL
  • Karen Rayment, Navarre, FL
  • Thomas Carpenter, Gulfport, MS
  • Megan Kathleen Baker, Wellesley, MA
  • Stephanie Rodriguez, Miami, FL
  • Alicia Sandoval, Philadelphia, PA
  • Kirk L. Moore, Martin, TN
  • Timothy Gregory Schafer, New Orleans, LA

New Advocates

  • David E. Renner, Moon Township, PA
  • H. Michael O'Brien, White Plains, NY
  • James W. Hehner, Indianapolis, IN
  • David A. Anderson, Columbia, SC
  • Kim Hollaender, Philadelphia, PA
  • Thomas M. Jones, Seattle, WA
  • Brian M. Wacker, Saint Louis, MO
  • Ewa Rutkowska, Warsaw, Poland
  • Jane M. France, Cheyenne, WY
  • Raymond Granville Lewallen, Knoxville, TN
  • Tracey L. Turnbull, Cleveland, OH
  • Anne M. Talcott, Portland, OR
  • David MacArthur Wilson, Birmingham, AL
  • Dessi N. Day, Los Angeles, CA
  • Isaiah Christopher Robinson, Charleston, WV
  • James M. Weiss, Raleigh, NC
  • Kara Moorcroft Kapke, Indianapolis, IN
  • Michael A. McCaskey, Chicago, IL
  • Sara M. Turner, Birmingham, AL

DRI Education

Upcoming Seminars

2024 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar
September 18–20 | Chicago, Illinois

The premier senior living and long-term care litigation seminar in the country returns to Chicago on September 18-20! Join us at the Hyatt Regency, just steps from the Chicago River Walk, for an event tailored specifically for defense counsel, in-house counsel, claims professionals, and industry insiders. Gain access to unparalleled insights, CLE, and networking opportunities. The exceptional faculty includes a neurosurgeon, jury consultant, wound care nurse, an expert in electronic medical records (EMR), and "Pepper," a robot that assists with therapy and care in the skilled nursing facility/assisted living facility setting. Reconnect with clients and colleagues alike during counsel meetings, an afternoon of networking, or other exciting program events. We look forward to seeing you in the Windy City in September!

2024 Strictly Automotive Seminar
September 18–20 | Chicago, Illinois

Join us for a timely seminar focused on current issues affecting those who practice in the automotive space. Gain perspective from in-house counsel regarding their business and legal concerns. Increase your understanding of automotive safety regulations. Attain deeper knowledge from experienced trial counsel and experts about key litigation trends, plus best practices for defending various types of automotive claims.

2024 Cannabis Law Virtual Seminar
September 19 | Virtual

Join us virtually for the Cannabis Law Seminar, September 19 for an up-to-date overview of the proposed rescheduling of cannabis from schedule I to schedule III, including a discussion of the rescheduling process, how it will change the cannabis market, and how it will impact the FDA’s regulation of cannabis companies and their products that use delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC, THCA, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids.

2024 DRI Annual Meeting
October 16–18 | Seattle, Washington

Meet us in the Emerald City: where relationships build business. Join hundreds of civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel from across the country to build your book of business, enjoy networking events, reach your professional goals with cutting-edge education, and more! Hear from keynote speakers including two-time NBA champion and former U.S. Senator, Bill Bradley and popular public television host, best-selling author, and activist, Rick Steves.

2024 Asbestos Medicine Seminar
November 6–8 | Las Vegas, Nevada

This year’s seminar in fabulous Las Vegas will bring together a superb lineup of medical and scientific experts, top-tier litigators, and timely topics. Plus, enjoy unforgettable events designed to promote insightful discussions and meaningful networking opportunities.

2024 Appellate Advocacy Seminar
November 6–8 | Las Vegas, Nevada

Join us in fabulous Las Vegas for a program that will benefit all attorneys involved in appeals. Sessions will include discussions on building an appellate practice, practical advice for presenting a persuasive appellate brief, and insights into judicial decision-making. Experienced appellate advocates from across the country, along with federal and state court judges, serve as speakers. Additionally, the committee collaborates with the Asbestos Medicine Committee for joint sessions on product liability and failure to warn, as well as the diversity initiative. Receptions and networking opportunities with other appellate attorneys and conference attendees are also part of the event.

2024 Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium
December 4–6 | New York City, New York

Join us at DRI’s Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium, the premier event for insurance executives, claims professionals, and outside counsel specializing in insurance coverage. This year’s symposium promises unparalleled engagement with top insurance industry leaders and coverage lawyers, focusing on emerging and cutting-edge issues. Don’t miss out on exceptional networking events and the chance to build valuable relationships with like-minded professionals. Take advantage of Early Bird Registration through October 21 and save $300!

2024 Professional Liability Seminar
December 4–6 | New York City, New York

Professional practice standards are changing daily. From Artificial Intelligence to Zoom meetings, trials and everything in between, keeping up competencies can seem overwhelming. Join us for practical tips, refreshers on skills, thought provoking views from experts, and opportunities to network with professional colleagues. Take advantage of Early Bird Registration through October 21 and save $300!

DRI Education

Upcoming Webinars

DRI is excited to provide members with FREE access to several valuable webinars! Earn up to 8 hours of CLE credit this year at no additional cost to you–that's a savings of $1,350 for being a DRI member! From conspiracyism to succession planning, we are covering a host of hot topics this year to help you expand your knowledge and build your legal practice. Learn more here!

A Young Lawyer's Guide to Preparing Corporate Witnesses and Telling a “Company Story”
September 25 | 11:00 a.m. CDT

This program will provide attendees with all prior case materials, along with some specifics on a corporate witness to “prepare” for testimony. After the lecture, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss corporate witness preparation in small breakout groups. The registration is $75 for DRI members and $100 for non-members.
*Save 25% when you purchase the "A Young Lawyer's Guide to Handling A Case" series. Learn more about the bundle.

A Young Lawyer's Guide to Arbitration
November 20 | 11:00 a.m. CDT

This program will provide attendees with the prior case materials, along with select rules from CPR, AAA and other arbitration processes. The program will provide a discussion on what makes arbitration different from trial, and how young lawyers in particular can have an expanded role in Arbitration (per the rules, themselves). After the lecture, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss what it’s like taking an arbitration from start to finish and ask questions of fellow young lawyers who have done so. The registration is $75 for DRI members and $100 for non-members.
*Save 25% when you purchase the "A Young Lawyer's Guide to Handling A Case" series. Learn more about the bundle.

Quote of the Month

"As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas, and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see."
—Vincent Van Gogh