DRI Foundation

2026 Law Student Diversity Scholarship – Now Accepting Applications!

DRI Foundation Law Student Diversity Scholarship 2026-2027

DRI and the DRI Foundation are excited to bring back our annual Law Student Diversity Scholarship program, now open to rising (2026–2027) second- and third-year law students. It is focused on students who come from backgrounds that would add to the cause of diversity within the Civil Defense Bar. All rising second- and third-year law students are eligible, regardless of race or ethnicity.

One scholarship in the amount of $10,000 and two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each will be awarded. The recipients will be announced at the DRI Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. in October.

To qualify for a scholarship, a candidate must be a full-time student. Evening students also qualify for consideration if they have completed one-third or more of the total credit hours required for a degree by the applicant’s law school.*

Applications and all other requested materials must be received by  June 30, 2026.

Learn more and share with your network!

*Students who are members of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), law school or law student members of AAJ, or students otherwise affiliated with or employed by AAJ are not eligible for DRI Law Student Diversity Scholarships.


Annual Meeting

Eleanor Soars to Miami, Atlanta on Road to 2026 Annual Meeting!

Eleanor the Eagle’s next stop is Miami! Watch out as she joins us for DRI’s first April seminars: the Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Super Conference and Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar.

Then, follow DRI on social media and watch as she stops by the Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Seminar and Trucking Law Seminar in Atlanta! You won’t want to miss the moment she touches down.

She’s been building buzz everywhere she goes, and “The Magic City” and “The ATL” are about to get their own dose of Annual Meeting energy. If you’re attending, be sure to grab a photo with her! It’s practically a rite of passage at this point.

The countdown to the 2026 DRI Annual Meeting is already building major excitement. Every stop Eleanor makes adds to the momentum, and Washington, D.C. is shaping up to be the place everyone will be talking about this October.

Make sure you’re in the loop. Sign up for updates so you don’t miss a single announcement about registration or what’s coming next.

Subscribe to Updates on 2026 DRI Annual Meeting


Partner Content: Page Vault

The Evidence Is Out There — But Only If You Captured It

How IP Litigators Are Rethinking Digital Evidence Collection Before Cases Begin

By Nicole Brown

In intellectual property litigation, the evidence that wins cases increasingly lives online — on websites, social media feeds, e-commerce listings, and comment sections that can change or disappear within hours. The challenge for IP practitioners isn't just knowing where to look. It's knowing that what you captured today may be gone tomorrow, and that the way you captured it will be scrutinized by courts, opposing counsel, and platforms alike.

Page Vault has spent over a decade partnering with IP litigators at firms of every size on exactly this problem. To explore what best-in-class looks like in practice, sat down with two leading practitioners — Marc Trachtenberg, Chair of the Internet, Domain Name, E-Commerce & Social Media practice at Greenberg Traurig, and Christian Wolfgram, an IP litigator at Banner Witcoff — for a candid conversation on digital evidence in IP law. (Watch the full webinar here) The insights they shared reflect what we see consistently across the firms we work with: proactive, systematic evidence collection is a competitive advantage — and those who treat it as an afterthought often find themselves scrambling, or worse, presenting evidence that doesn't hold up.

Trachtenberg describes the urgency of the first capture in vivid terms: "It's like when you're traveling and you walk into that store and you see the thing — you don't buy it then, you want to come back later, you can never find that store again. It's the same with online evidence." His team investigates hundreds of product domains every week. Capturing evidence at the moment of investigation isn't a nice-to-have; it's the only way to reliably preserve what was actually there.

Christian Wolfgram, an IP litigator at Banner Witcoff, frames the issue around two dimensions: admissibility and persuasive value. Courts are raising the bar. In Disney v. Sarelli, a court struck down basic screenshots as inadmissible — they lacked authentication, time/date stamps, and the metadata needed to establish the capture's integrity. But Wolfgram notes that even when admissibility isn't formally contested, the quality of your evidence sends a signal: "If you're using low-quality, archaic means of capturing, whether they're intending to or not, [the court is] absorbing that persuasive value." A professionally captured exhibit with a clear chain of custody tells a different story than a blown-up iPhone screenshot with a clock in the corner.

Both practitioners emphasize something that often surprises attorneys newer to digital evidence: the best time to start capturing is before litigation begins. Wolfgram describes using captures proactively — preserving a client's own trademark use, documenting a crowded marketplace, building a chronological record of a competitor's conduct — long before any complaint is filed. "If you can capture a third of the client's content, why not just get the whole suite of it?" he asks. That archive becomes a resource that can be deployed quickly when deadlines move fast, whether it's a preliminary injunction motion or a cease-and-desist response.

Trachtenberg adds a practical workflow note that resonates across firm sizes: bulk capture tools allow his team to copy all the page links from a site, drop them into a batch capture, and come back to a complete, organized archive. "Always over-capture," he advises. "I don't remember any situation where our problem was that we had too much evidence."

Looking ahead, both attorneys see the volume of digital evidence continuing to grow. The convergence of AI-assisted infringement detection, expanding e-commerce platforms, and increasingly active Schedule A litigation means the demand for high-quality, defensible web captures will only increase. The question for forward-looking IP practices isn't whether digital evidence matters — it's whether their processes can scale with the volume.

Page Vault is proud to be a presenting sponsor of the DRI 2026 Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Super Conference in Miami this March. We look forward to continuing this conversation with the IP community and helping firms build practices that are ready for the evidence demands ahead. Stop by to connect with our team, or book a meeting in advance here



Center for Law and Public Policy

Updates from the DRI Center

Learn more about the Center or sign up to receive quarterly updates and news.

Amicus Wins in Maryland!

Last summer, the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy filed an amicus brief, joined by Maryland Defense Counsel, Inc, with the Supreme Court of Maryland to address novel nuisance liability claims in Mayor and City Council of Baltimore v. BP PLC, et al. On March 24, 2026, the Maryland high court issued its opinion, which was aligned with the arguments set forth in the Center brief, and held that state-law damages claims against fossil fuel energy companies for alleged local harms caused by global climate change are displaced by federal law.

Congratulations and thank you to the Center brief’s author, Jacob Hollars, a partner of Spencer Fane in Denver.

Center Continues to Support SLDO Advocacy Efforts

Counsel’s advocacy with a letter in support 2026 Ark. 18, In Re Creation of Rule 412 of the Arkansas Rules of Evidence and the Defense Association of New York’s advocacy with a letter in support of proposed reforms to automobile accident lawsuits in Governor Hochul’s 2027 executive budget. (DRI also signed a coalition letter of the leading organizations of lawyers who primarily represent defendants in civil litigation, including the Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel.)

The Center and its Legislation and Rules Committee is always happy to support—only upon request—State and Local Defense Organizations (SLDOs) concerned about a legislative or rule issue in their state.

New MSP Task Force Leadership

Barrye Miyagi headshotCatherine E. Goldhaber headshot

Barrye Panepinto Miyagi, Catherine Goldhaber

Congratulations to Barrye Panepinto Miyagi and Catherine Goldhaber for their new appointments as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy’s Medicare Secondary Payer Task Force.

Barrye is a partner at Taylor Porter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the Practice Group Leader for Taylor Porter’s Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Compliance Group. She holds a CMSP-Fellow designation, from the Louisiana Association of Self-Insured Employers (LASIE). The CMSP-Fellow certification is designed to identify those professionals who work within the workers’ compensation and liability insurance industry and have demonstrated superior knowledge and skills in the field of Medicare Secondary Payer Compliance.

Catherine is a partner at Lathrop GPM in Chicago, where she brings more than two decades of experience representing clients in high-stakes civil litigation involving toxic torts, product liability, and personal injury defense. She serves as national and regional trial counsel, managing multistate dockets and coordinating legal strategy in cases involving asbestos exposure, occupational illness, and chemical liability. Catherine regularly appears in state and federal courts across Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri.

Judith L. O'Grady headshotDRI and the Center also express much gratitude to outgoing task force chair Judy O’Grady for her years of service. Judy—a partner of Troutman Pepper Locke in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where she leads the firm’s FDA regulatory team—will continue to serve as a member of the Center’s MSP Task Force.

Lavisky Appointed to TPLF Task Force

Matthew J. LaviskyThe Center continues to grow and is pleased to announce its latest appointment. Matthew J. Lavisky, a Partner in the Tampa office of Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP, is now a member of the Center’s Third-Party Litigation Funding Task Force. Matt—who focuses the majority of his practice on the defense of bad faith and other extra- contractual matters, first-party property claims, class actions, and insurance coverage disputes—also currently serves on the DRI Board of Directors as Southeast Regional Director.


Seminar Spotlight

A Special Invite to Louisville from the DRI Executive Committee, Plus Insights on Cross Border Disputes

🔥Coming in Hot: DRI’s 2026 Louisville Seminars this June 3-5 at the Omni Hotel!

Jeff Lowe and executive leaders are onsite at the Omni Louisville to give you a preview of DRI’s June seminars: Insurance Bad Faith and Extra-Contractual Liability, Diversity for Success, and Young Lawyers.

From cutting-edge sessions to unmatched networking at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory Networking Reception and Churchill Downs Night Racing Extravaganza. The opportunities to connect are as memorable as the city itself. Together, these two evenings reflect what makes DRI gatherings distinctive: world-class programming complemented by experiences that bring the legal community together in ways that last well beyond the seminar itself.

Cross Border Disputes and Compliance Seminar | The Best Insights in the Room Will Come from Attendees Like You

Hello colleagues,

I'm attending a number of DRI events this year and wanted to highlight one of them in case it's slipped under your radar: DRI's 2026 Cross Border Disputes and Compliance Seminar in London, May 6–8. This event is smaller than a typical DRI seminar because it's international. This year in particular, the event falls at a time when practitioners like me are navigating a complex global litigation and compliance landscape. When I looked at the program, I found topic after topic that I'd like to discuss with experts like you and those with a true international scope. Sessions on product liability in the technology sector, supply chain risk mitigation, collective actions and class action developments, and more draw on perspectives from practitioners across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Turkey, Poland, and Mexico, offering comparative insights between North American and European legal frameworks. I registered right away to be in this room with others defending multi-jurisdictional disputes and managing cross-border compliance challenges.

If you're reading this, you're a leading lawyer, in-house counsel, and/or industry expert from around the world, and I'd love to connect in London, UK, on May 6–8!

I believe this industry event is worth considering—please learn more here!

Govinda M. DavisGovinda M. Davis is Corporate Counsel – Litigation and Intellectual Property at Brooks Running.


DRI Foundation

April is Stress Awareness Month: The Strategic Case for DRI for Life and Lawyer Wellness

By Ashley Brathwaite

In the high-stakes world of defending business, we often treat our cognitive abilities as an inexhaustible resource. We bill hours with meticulous precision, yet we frequently fail to account for the physical and mental overhead required to sustain peak professional performance. For the modern litigation attorney, health and fitness are not merely lifestyle choices; they are essential components of a sustainable practice and a rigorous fiduciary duty to ourselves and our clients.

The legal profession is notoriously demanding, often leading to a culture of "sedentary intensity." We spend hours hunched over laptops or confined to conference rooms, operating in a state of constant sympathetic nervous system activation. Research indicates that attorneys exhibit symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety at significantly higher rates than the general population. This chronic pressure is a leading cause of cognitive fatigue, diminished creativity, and professional burnout.

Integrating physical movement into the professional lifestyle acts as a necessary counterbalance. Science confirms that aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuroplasticity, memory, and learning. For a lawyer, this translates to sharper writing, more intuitive cross-examination, and a higher capacity for complex problem-solving. When we prioritize fitness, we aren't taking time away from our clients; we are upgrading the machinery we use to serve them.

Beyond the physiological, there is a unique synergy between wellness and networking. At our upcoming seminars, we are intentionally moving beyond the traditional cocktail hour to include wellness-focused events, such as morning runs, yoga sessions, and organized walks. These activities offer a different kind of professional "interplay."

Engaging in fitness with peers strips away the hierarchy of the courtroom or the firm. It fosters authentic connections built on shared effort rather than shared stress. There is a particular clarity that comes during a morning walk or a post-session stretch that allows for a more meaningful exchange of ideas than a passing conversation ever could. These wellness events are designed to help you return to the seminar room refreshed, focused, and better connected to your colleagues across the country.

We recognize that for many, the barrier to fitness is time. But as the saying goes, "If you don't make time for your wellness, you will eventually be forced to make time for your illness." By incorporating these activities into our seminars, we aim to normalize the idea that a successful lawyer is a healthy one. Studies show that prioritizing well-being is not just good for the individual—it is good for business, leading to increased productivity, improved retention, and reduced absenteeism.

We encourage every member to pack a pair of sneakers alongside their business attire for our next gathering. Whether you are a marathon runner or someone looking to take their first step toward a more active lifestyle, there is a place for you in the DRI Foundation’s DRI For Life group.

Let’s redefine the image of the resilient business defense lawyer. Let’s prove that our strength isn't just in our arguments, but in our endurance, our mental clarity, and our commitment to a balanced life. Make it a point to look for DRI For Life opportunities at the next seminar or meeting you attend. Your practice—and your health—will thank you.

Ashley BrathwaiteAshley Brathwaite of Ellis & Winters LLP is the DRI Foundation DRI for Life Vice Chair.


DRI News

Young Lawyers Sworn Into US Supreme Court Bar

DRI would like to congratulate a group of our members who were sworn into the US Supreme Court bar during March. Congratulations to the following individuals, and thank you to movant Brian Brookey of Honigman LLP.

  • Lisa Bisso, Butler Snow
  • Jason Hodge, Nelson Mullins
  • Hayley Hollis, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC
  • Ryan Ing, Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP
  • Madaline Rabalais, Butler Snow
  • Ariel Redfern, Weeks Nelson
  • Denver Smith, Butler Snow
  • Peyton Watts, Kutak Rock LLP
  • Movant
    Brian Brookey
    , Honigman LLP

Committee Spotlight Series

Construction Law, Corporate Counsel, & Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance

DRI’s substantive law committees are an excellent way to grow your network, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of emerging issues. Joining any of DRI’s 30 substantive law committees is a great way to engage with the broader DRI community, enhance your career, and collaborate with attorneys across the country. This month, we're highlighting Construction Law, Corporate Counsel, & Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance.

Construction Law

The Construction Law Committee is specifically designed for those practicing in or interested in construction-related law. Many committee members represent designers, engineers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, construction product manufacturers and suppliers in all areas of their business, such as contract drafting and negotiation, delay claims, OSHA investigations, and employment and workers’ compensation issues.

Like all DRI committees, this group offers opportunities to build relationships, contribute to publications, help plan programs, and stay informed about emerging topics in the field.

Join the Construction Law Committee Today

Corporate Counsel

DRI's Corporate Counsel Committee brings together attorneys and professionals who work in-house, offering a forum to learn, share insights, and connect with leaders in the field.

What This Committee Focuses On:
"The Corporate Counsel Committee (C3) is comprised exclusively of in-house counsel. We empower our members to successfully meet the challenges unique to in-house practice. Through open and candid discussion, educational programming, the exchange of ideas and best practices, and networking events, we strive to make meaningful 'in-house to in-house' dialogue our hallmark."

Join the Corporate Counsel Committee Today

Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance

The Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance Committee brings together attorneys and professionals who focus on international matters, offering a forum to learn, share insights, and connect with leaders in the field.

What This Committee Focuses On:
The Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance Committee (formerly DRI International)’s mission is to develop a global network of lawyers focused on the challenges and requirements faced by companies operating across different countries, including navigating legal and regulatory frameworks, managing potential conflicts, and ensuring adherence to the laws of each jurisdiction involved. These areas are intertwined, as compliance with local laws and regulations is crucial for preventing disputes and facilitating smooth cross-border operations.

Members of this committee enjoy access to timely legal updates, collaboration opportunities, publications, seminars, and other activities designed to strengthen community and support professional growth.

Join the Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance Committee Today


Thank You to Our Members

April is National Volunteer Month!

Did you know April is National Volunteer Month?

To all our dedicated civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel at DRI, we celebrate YOU this month for your incredible commitment to service and making a difference in our communities. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for embodying the spirit of giving back.

Together, we're making a positive impact that resonates far and wide.

Looking for more ways to give back? Get involved with the DRI Foundation.


SLDO News

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.

  • Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association
    Nicholas K. Thompson (DRI member since 2014) – President

Publications Spotlight

Has Your Committee Contributed to The Brief Case Yet?

The Brief Case DRI Committee News

Featuring content from DRI's substantive law committees, our committee e-newsletter provides an excellent way for you to reach a more targeted audience.

Learn about The Brief Case: DRI Committee News and DRI's other publications on our website.

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Reach out to our publications team at submissions@dri.org.


DRI Committees

Top 5 Reasons to Join a Substantive Law Committee

You can personalize your membership by opting to join any DRI Substantive Law Committees (SLC) at no additional cost.

Joining an SLC connects you to your peers and puts you on a path to leadership with abundant opportunities. It can help you:

  1. Expand Your Referral Network: Connect with your peers and get referrals from your fellow SLC members.
  2. Get Free PR: SLCs provide complimentary speaker and publishing opportunities to help you position yourself as a subject matter expert at your firm.
  3. Obtain On-the-Job Leadership Training: SLCs give you the opportunity to lead projects, placing you on the track to leadership at your firm and in the civil defense community.
  4. Access Cutting-Edge Information: Committee-specific e-newsletters, podcasts, programs, and more provide the latest legal information.
  5. Get Informed Responses in Real-Time: Gain instant access to experts in your field willing to share insights. Have your questions answered in real-time by your peers via the SLC’s online communities/discussion boards.

Surround yourself with a network of attorneys in your practice area who can help grow your business by joining a DRI Substantive Law Committee today! View DRI’s 30 Substantive Law Committees, select the committee you’re interested in, and press the “Join Committee” button on the right-hand side of the page to join one today! Repeat this process for all the committees you’re interested in and join as many committees as you’d like for free!


New Members and Advocates

DRI Welcomes the Following Members and Advocates

New Members

  • Christopher Alfieri
  • Emma L. Allison
  • Victoria Leigh Anderson
  • Alexandria M. Ayala
  • Katrina Bader
  • Lucas Baker
  • Leslie C. Behaunek
  • Eric Bittner
  • Kimberly Bousquet
  • Timothy W. Bowman
  • James Bragdon
  • Nicole Brown
  • Elizabeth Googe Brunette
  • Vicky-Marie J. Brunette
  • Thomas Cabral
  • Camille B. Camp
  • Douglas Meriwether Campbell
  • William Carson
  • Stefan Case
  • Brittany M. Clarke
  • Jeffrey Coren
  • Aimee Creed
  • Joseph Matthew Cross
  • Timothy J. Curtis
  • Sarah Czypinski
  • Aneesah E. Dalal
  • Eric S. Darling
  • Nelson de la Torre
  • Kelsey Dekshenieks
  • Mary Stewart DeLong
  • Jessica Dennis
  • John P. DePaolo
  • Dylan Diehl
  • Tyson Dobbs
  • Paul Doerscheln
  • Thomas Doggett
  • Brian Driscoll
  • Olivia Brooke Durden
  • Evan Walker Elam
  • Robert D. Emmerson
  • Brian Ettari
  • Kendall Fann
  • Yafeez Fatabhoy
  • Margaret Fitzgerald
  • Gina Fortino Dickson
  • Ernest Fung
  • Rebecca May Gabroy
  • Jennifer Lynn Gardner
  • Ben S. Geller
  • Emily Gettum
  • Katherine Graham
  • Chelsea Granville Reed
  • David William Green
  • Christopher Brooks Greene
  • Nicholas Gumpel
  • Janet Gustafson
  • Albert M. Gutierrez
  • Rob Hatzenbeller
  • Preston Andrew Hawkins
  • Laura Alice Hillhouse
  • Jacob Louis Hoeflich
  • Brian L Hoffman
  • Lela M. Hollabaugh
  • Kathryn J. Hoskins
  • Sean Hughes
  • George L. Inabinet
  • Sean Patrick Jessee
  • Haley Johnston
  • Zach Johnston
  • J. Mark Jones
  • Zachary Jones
  • Jennifer Kalvestran
  • Gary Karnedy
  • Eric Bryce Kessler
  • Yevgeniy K. Klinovskiy
  • Kara Knowles
  • Zachary A. Kobokovich
  • Karen Koplon
  • Ilene Korey
  • Christopher Kovach
  • Daniel Lauer
  • Michael Paul Lewis
  • Kathleen Lopilato
  • Benjamin Lothson
  • Heather N. Lynch
  • Paul Marchegiani
  • Elizabeth A. Martineau
  • Claudia D. McCarron
  • Ryan K. McComber
  • Stefanie M. Mederos
  • Krsto Mijanovic
  • Rhonda M. Mills
  • Joseph J. Minus
  • Dedra Moore
  • Holly Morris
  • Kathryn Brack Morrow
  • Patrick Mullinger
  • Tanya M. Murray
  • Graham Newsome
  • Travis Norton
  • Tim Over
  • Shelly R. Pagac
  • Lou Marie Pappas
  • Jessica Parent
  • Karen Park
  • Margaret Pastuszak
  • Ashley Paterson
  • Thomas Peabody
  • Shane T. Peterson
  • Erica Piotrowski
  • Shivani Poddar
  • Leslie B. Pollie
  • Ashley M. Pratt
  • Madison Prokott
  • Coralie Aimee Prophete
  • Nicholas Prudenzano
  • Bridget Joy Pyman
  • Emilia A. Quesada
  • Oreste Ricardo Ramos
  • Ryan Redd
  • Joseph Reid
  • Joan M. Richter
  • Samantha Rincon
  • Andreas Ringstad
  • Christopher Rojao
  • Erin Roth
  • Patrik R. Salzmann
  • Alex Sappington
  • Melody Saveall
  • Thomas Schartz
  • Charles Joseph Schoenwetter
  • Erin E. Seid
  • Tom Shaw
  • Sarah Silbowitz
  • Anna Smith
  • James C. Spencer
  • Larry A. Steele
  • Vlada Tasich
  • Patrick Taverna
  • Mark D. Taylor
  • Meredith Taylor
  • Pamela J. Teer
  • Vittorio Fiore Terrizzi
  • Sam Terzich
  • Homero Tristan
  • James Uhrig
  • Emily Van Haneghan
  • Julie VanVliet
  • Pierre Vincent
  • Matthew Warner
  • Dineen Wasylik
  • Michael S. Wawro
  • Brian Whitelaw
  • Cynthia McCormick Whitman
  • William Paul Whitt
  • Janelle N. Winters
  • Jennifer Wollenberg

Advocates

  • Matthew G. Berard
  • Mindy Brickman
  • Brian K. Brookey
  • Douglas M. Campbell
  • Kenton J. Coppage
  • Mark A. Fredrickson
  • Martha C. Gaythwaite
  • Ezra S. Gollogly
  • Cheryl L. Graves
  • Brian L. Hoffman
  • Rachel Park Hurt
  • Gary Karnedy
  • Gregory A. Kendall
  • Shawn Y. Libman
  • Eric P. Mathisen
  • Matthew G. Moffett
  • David W. Orlandini
  • John R. Owen
  • Christopher Bates Parkerson
  • Kassandra Shortt
  • Henry M. Sneath
  • Jeremy P. Taylor
  • Grant Worden

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.

Kenney & Sams and Bowditch & Dewey announced a merger to bolster their practice areas and expand client services.

Chartwell Law has added The Bassett Firm to their Dallas, TX office including the Founder and Managing Partner, Michael Bassett. Bassett has been a member of DRI since 1996.

Katelyn Ashton has joined Kirkland & Ellis as Partner at their Nashville, TN office. Ashton has been a member of DRI since 2022.

Erin Diaz has joined Wicker Smith as Partner at their Tampa, FL office. Diaz has been a member of DRI since 2015.

Douglass Ross has joined Rural Mutal Insurance. Ross has been a member of DRI since 2024.

Katelyn Richardson has joined Kinkead & Stilz at their Lexington, KY office. Richardson has been a member of DRI since 2025.



DRI Education

Upcoming Seminars

Savings of up to $500 for April 15-17 seminars end on Tuesday, April 14! Click "Continue Reading" below to see the full seminar list.

2026 Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Super Conference
April 15–17, 2026 | Miami, Florida

Today's business and intellectual property (IP) litigators must understand emerging technologies and their implications for clients while maintaining strong professional relationships and core litigation skills. Join us in Miami to explore innovations shaping the future of law and gain practical strategies to enhance your practice. DRI’s 2026 Business and IP Litigation Super Conference features cutting-edge sessions on AI governance, privacy, advertising technology (AdTech) compliance, and key IP and business litigation issues. You'll tackle real-world ethics challenges, explore trends in art law and greenwashing, and develop strategies for Schedule A litigation and anticounterfeiting cases. Through interactive panels and dynamic networking with leading practitioners, you'll gain actionable insights, professional development, and valuable connections. Save up to $500 when you register by April 14!

2026 Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar
April 15–17, 2026 | Miami, Florida

The practice areas of toxic torts and environmental law are continuously evolving with new defense strategies, changing case law, and soaring jury verdicts. This year’s conference will be held in sunny Miami. Join us at the nation’s premier conference for toxic tort and environmental law practitioners to reconnect with colleagues and discover the latest strategies in the field. Register today for three days of education, business development opportunities, and more! Save up to $500 when you register by April 14!

2026 Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Seminar
April 29–May 1, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia

Meet and learn from the leaders in the Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA defense community in Atlanta, Georgia, at this preeminent conference from April 29 through May 1, 2026. You will have multiple opportunities each day to engage and network with this welcoming group of practitioners, while hearing about recent developments in this specialized area of law. Plus, obtain strategies for handling your life, health, disability, and ERISA matters. Whether this will be your first or twentieth time attending this annual conference, you will enjoy a fantastic couple of days earning CLE, sharpening your skills, reconnecting with, and expanding your network. Save up to $500 when you register by April 28!

2026 Trucking Law Seminar
April 29–May 1, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia

The trucking industry is a vital partner in the American economy, providing the framework for sustaining commerce and infrastructure required for national and global trade. The realities of today’s litigation climate require the trucking industry and those defending it to improve effective strategies and techniques to fight back against a rise of inflated demands and excessive verdicts with innovative solutions. Harness the tools necessary for a strong defense in the face of a cottage industry of predatory litigation lenders and plaintiff-oriented experts and doctors, geared towards manufacturing skyrocketing damage models. Save up to $500 when you register by April 28!

2026 Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance Seminar
6–8 May, 2026 | London, England

Join us in London for the annual Cross-Border Disputes and Compliance (formerly DRI International) Seminar, where leading lawyers, in-house counsel, and industry experts will explore the most significant trends shaping international disputes and share strategies for navigating today's increasingly complex global litigation and compliance landscape. This year's program will provide essential insights into the forces redefining risk and strategy for multinational businesses. Sessions will examine product liability in the technology sector amid rapid innovation, approaches to mitigating supply chain risks in a volatile global market, and the growing impact of environmental litigation. The seminar will also address the rise of collective actions worldwide and evaluate the resilience of arbitration in Europe following recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) rulings. A young lawyers panel will discuss cross-border communications and the challenges of representing corporations in cross-border matters. Alongside these forward-looking discussions, the event offers outstanding opportunities to connect with peers from around the globe—all in the dynamic setting of London. Don't miss this chance to gain practical insights, exchange experiences, and prepare for the future of international litigation. Save up to $500 USD when you register by 5 May!

2026 Drug and Medical Device Seminar
May 20–22, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts

Welcome to Boston—home to heavy hitters—for the 2026 Drug and Medical Device Seminar. Join in-house counsel, colleagues from across the country, and industry leaders to explore the latest developments in drug and medical device litigation. Discover strategies to leverage Federal Rule of Evidence 702 to effectively challenge expert opinions. Gain insights into how drug and medical device litigation is evolving—globally and substantively. Engage directly with in-house counsel on issues that shape their work and relationships with outside counsel. Strengthen your trial advocacy skills with best practices from leading trial lawyers. Examine the ethical use of AI to ensure compliance with Rule 11, client obligations, and fast-evolving court guidelines. Finally, hear Former Senator Richard Burr discuss the current regulatory landscape and policies shaping litigation, including the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. Come to Boston for a timely, practice-focused program that will equip you with actionable insights—register today. Save up to $500 when you register by May 19!

2026 Employment and Labor Law Seminar
May 20–22, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts

This comprehensive seminar provides practitioners and HR professionals with a sharp, practical update on the legal and compliance issues shaping today’s workplace. Designed to be both timely and actionable, the program begins with a Year in Review that highlights key employment law cases from jurisdictions around the country, offering insight into emerging litigation trends and how courts are addressing common workplace disputes. Attendees will gain in-depth perspective on current Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) developments, including enforcement priorities, evolving exemption standards, and new litigation patterns that can significantly impact employer compliance strategies. The seminar also features focused sessions on ethics and professionalism, reinforcing best practices for maintaining credibility, managing conflicts, and navigating the increasingly complex lawyer–client relationship in employment matters, while emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness for attorneys and their colleagues. Save up to $500 when you register by May 19!

2026 Diversity for Success Seminar
June 3–5, 2026 | Louisville, Kentucky

DRI invites you to the 20th annual Diversity for Success Seminar and Corporate Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. Attendees will gain insights from and network with in-house counsel and potential referral sources. This seminar is designed to address the recent legal decisions and lawsuits designed to stunt recent efforts to increase diversity in our educational and occupational settings. Attendees will leave with resources and tools to incorporate into their career and organization to improve Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). Save up to $500 when you register by April 20!

2026 Insurance Bad Faith and Extra-Contractual Liability Seminar
June 3–5, 2026 | Louisville, Kentucky

DRI's Insurance Bad Faith and Extra-Contractual Liability Seminar is the preeminent program for insurance executives, claims professionals, legal professionals, and outside counsel who defend bad faith claims and litigation in their practice. The seminar will showcase top-flight faculty, including policyholder counsel, members of the judiciary, and industry leaders, including DRI's Insurance Law Committee. Save up to $700 when you register by April 20!

2026 Young Lawyers Seminar
June 3–5, 2026 | Louisville, Kentucky

The 2026 Young Lawyers Seminar equips early career litigators with practical skills and strategic insights for navigating modern litigation practices. Through interactive sessions led by experienced practitioners, in-house counsel, mediators, and experts, attendees will learn how to build cohesive litigation strategies that apply to all stages of litigation. Attendees will hear from experts on how to maximize their professional potential. Join our session with a local Louisville panel to discuss how to negotiate and mediate cases with professionalism and credibility. In addition to substantive training, the seminar emphasizes professional development and relationship-building through structured networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections within DRI. Participants will leave with actionable strategies, expanded professional networks, and increased confidence in delivering value to clients and advancing their careers. Save up to $700 when you register by April 20!

2026 Boot Camp for New Life, Health, and Disability Lawyers
July 15–16, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois

The DRI Life, Health, and Disability Committee is once again sponsoring a program for lawyers who are new to the practice. The program will be led by highly experienced attorneys and will be aimed at providing a basic understanding of the concepts applicable to life, health, and disability litigation. This program receives rave reviews each year it is held. Lawyers who are new to the practice or who wish to brush up on their skills are encouraged to attend! Save up to $400 when you register by July 14!


Quote of the Month

“You can do anything—but not everything.”
― David Allen