Happy New Year

Thanks for a Fantastic Year! | DRI 2025 Wrap-Up

Thanks to the DRI community, 2025 was a fantastic, fulfilling year.

From providing nearly 50,000 meals to children through our 2-year partnership with Blessings in a Backpack to offering over 200 hours of CLE through in-person and online programming, DRI and the DRI community not only met our goals but exceeded them.

Take a look at some of our major accomplishments this past year:

Education

Membership

DRI Foundation

DRI Center for Law and Public Policy

Publications

And we're not planning on slowing down this year!

We’re looking forward to another 12 months of growth, community, and education in 2026.
Thank you for being a part of the DRI community!

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2025 DRI stats


Center for Law and Public Policy

Amicus Updates: SCOTUS Should Adopt Practical, Real-World View of FAA "Transportation Workers" Exemption

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

Section 2 of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) mandates that arbitration agreements “shall be valid, irrevocable, and enforceable.” 9 U.S.C. § 2. Section 1 of the FAA, however, exempts “contracts of employment of seamen, railroad employees, or any other class of workers engaged in foreign or interstate commerce.” 9 U.S.C. § 1 (emphasis added). The Supreme Court held in Bissonnette v. LePage Bakeries Park St., LLC, 601 U.S. 246, 256 (2024), that a worker “need not work in the transportation industry to fall within the exemption.” The Court expressly reserved, however, the question of whether workers who “do not drive across state lines,” such as workers who locally deliver out-of-state goods, fall within the § 1 exemption. Id. at 256 n.2.

In October 2025, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in Flowers Foods, Inc. v. Brock (24-935), a case that squarely presents this important unresolved question, which sometimes is described as the “final mile” issue. Under a distribution agreement with Flowers Foods (also involved in Bissonnette), Brock, Inc., a company that operates entirely within Colorado, picks up, and delivers to its grocery store customers in Colorado, bread and other packaged baked goods that Flowers produces elsewhere but has delivered to, and unloaded at, a warehouse in Colorado. When Brock sued Flowers Foods over a contractual issue, Flowers Foods moved to compel arbitration in accordance with the distribution agreement’s arbitration provisions. The district court dismissed the motion to compel on the ground that Brock is covered by the § 1 exemption. The Tenth Circuit affirmed, and Flowers Foods then filed its petition for a writ of certiorari.

Sarah Elizabeth SpencerLarry Ebner headshot

Sarah Elizabeth Spencer, Larry Ebner

As it did at the petition stage, the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy (the Center) have jointly submitted an amicus brief, which was joined by the Atlantic Legal Foundation (ALF), urging the Supreme Court to reverse the Tenth Circuit. The brief was authored by Sarah Elizabeth Spencer of SpencerWillson PLLC and member of the Center’s Amicus Committee. Fellow committee member and ALF Executive Vice President & General Counsel Larry Ebner served as co-counsel on the brief.


DRI Education

Last Chance to Save Big on February Seminars!

If you’ve been thinking about attending DRI’s Product Liability Conference, Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar, or Women in the Law Seminar, now is the moment to act.

Early Bird savings of up to $700 end Monday, January 12th, and once the deadline passes, the full rate kicks in for good.

From February 18–20, 2026, defense practitioners, in‑house counsel, and industry experts will gather in Orlando and San Antonio to get ahead for the new year.

These events are designed to help you stay ahead of the curve, not just keep up with it. If you want the best rate, you need to register by Monday.

Secure your spot, save some money, and set yourself up for a strong year in defense.



And the Defense Wins

DRI Members Share Their Victories

Full Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Employment Trial Against Auto Dealer

A San Diego County jury returned a complete defense verdict in Ganatta v. JKC Palm Springs Automotive, Inc. (dba Team Kia Mazda of El Cajon), rejecting all five claims in a high-exposure employment lawsuit that originally sought $20 million. The former employee alleged disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, failure to engage in the interactive process, retaliation, and workplace harassment under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). After a three-week jury trial and under seven hours of deliberation, the jury found in favor of the defense on all counts.

DRI members Jasmin Bhandari and Eric Weiss, Principals at Scali Rasmussen, litigated the matter for years, building a disciplined and strategic defense. Trial counsel Jeffrey Erdman and Jose Cabada led the courtroom effort, prevailing on critical pre-trial motions that excluded medical expert testimony and significantly narrowed the plaintiff’s case, limiting his witnesses to the plaintiff himself and a damages expert. At trial, the defense emphasized the employer’s lack of knowledge of any disability and its appropriate reliance on documented medical information at the time of termination.

The firm credits the victory to focused pre-trial strategy, strong courtroom presentation, and a jury attentive to the distinction between employer obligations and employee responsibility in the accommodation process.

Defense Verdict in Premises Liability Case: Reina Resnik v. City of Los Angeles, Gabriel’s Cleaning, et al.

Will Kronenberg

On December 18, 2025, a jury in the Los Angeles County Superior Court-Van Nuys Division returned a unanimous verdict in favor of Gabriel’s Cleaning and Pressure Washing, LLC in a lawsuit filed by Plaintiff Reina Resnik. Will Kronenberg served as defense counsel for Gabriels. There were 4 other defendants at trial including the City of Los Angeles, AEG Management, Classic Parking and the LA Convention Center LACC.

The lawsuit stemmed from injuries sustained by the Plaintiff following a fall in a parking facility at the former Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. The plaintiff was on her way to a Laker’s game and, after parking, she fell down a concrete staircase at the Cherry Street Garage. She claimed that Gabriel’s and the other defendants had created a dangerous condition in the staircase by failing to keep the it free of debris and garbage.

Plaintiff sustained serious injuries in the fall including an acute trimalleolar fracture of her left ankle, lateral dislocation of the tibiotalar joint and injury to her lumbar spine. She underwent emergency surgery with placement of hardware in her left ankle followed by a second surgery due to the non-union of the hardware to bone. Her surgeon testified she would require a third surgery to remove the hardware followed by a fourth surgery, either an ankle fusion or total ankle replacement. The Plaintiff asked the jury to award $5,365,000.

Following six days of testimony, the jury deliberated for three hours and returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the defense. Will Kronenberg has tried over 100 cases to verdict in the Federal and State courts throughout California, and the United States. Kronenberg Law specializes in the defense of catastrophic injury, wrongful death, sexual abuse and complex business disputes.


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.

  • Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada
    Laura McHugh  (DRI member since 2018) – President

New Members and Advocates

DRI Welcomes the Following Members and Advocates

New Members

  • Allissa Aardema
  • Hayden M. Adams
  • Samuel J. Adams
  • Claire Adcox
  • Naomi Ahsan
  • Patrick Aitchison
  • Madison Alder
  • Emily Allen
  • Hilary Allen
  • Paul E. Allen
  • Andrea Almeida Rodriguez
  • Thomas A. Amon
  • Garrett Amorello
  • Brent D. Anderson
  • Caroline Anderson
  • Rachel Anderson
  • Lorianna Anderson Young
  • Nicole Lynn Andrescavage
  • Cayman Angelle
  • Brittney Bullock Ankersen
  • Heather Arias
  • Kimberly R. Arnal
  • Kathy Arp
  • Nikita V. Artaev
  • Suekayna Asgari
  • Gabriela Ruiz Atkisson
  • Lauren Ator
  • Stacy C. Auzenne
  • Rebecca Azar
  • Rebecca Weinstein Bacon
  • Brittany Baker
  • Talida Balaj
  • Hani Baltagi
  • Kevin Clayton Baltz
  • Aaron Baratz
  • Maxwell B. Baroody
  • Chelsea Beaulieu
  • Jacob Beavin
  • Andrew Becker
  • Eileen R. Becker
  • Logan Beckman
  • Bob Bedford
  • Ameen Behbahani
  • Connor Bender
  • Douglas Bennett
  • Christina T.E. Bermejo
  • Emily Bernhard
  • Sean Bernstein
  • Georgia Berthelot
  • Magdee Besharat
  • Olivia Betterton
  • Evelyn Alexis Bevis
  • Taryn Bewley
  • James Brady Biggs
  • Robert A. Biggs
  • Chris Biller
  • Casey Black
  • Noah G. Blechman
  • David Blue
  • William Boeringer
  • Adam Bollaert
  • Patrick Bollman
  • Lisa Bombardieri
  • Haelena Bondi-Camacho
  • Kimberly Bosse
  • Adelaide Bottomley
  • Anna G. Bowden
  • Rachel Boyd
  • Kelscey Boyle
  • Gerald Bradner
  • Hannah Braidman
  • Shawna Nicole Bray
  • James Brennan
  • Amber Lynn Brink
  • Samuel Brodigan
  • Daniel Brookins
  • Nadia Brooks
  • Colin Brown
  • Henry Clayton Brown
  • Jeffrey A. Brown
  • Mike Brown
  • Paige Elizabeth Browne
  • Kyle Brumbaugh
  • Jonathan Dwight Brummet
  • Marisa Brunetti
  • Rylie M. Bucher
  • Clark Bullington
  • Lauren E. Burke
  • Briana Butler
  • Kordell Caldwell
  • Lexi Callahan
  • Kevin J. Callanan
  • Sofia Camara
  • Mary Katherine Campion
  • Gloria Cannon
  • Pfenne P. Cantrell
  • Chandra Ann Carr
  • Frank Ernest Carrasco
  • Grant Alan Carringer
  • Bethany R. Carroll
  • Sean Cascarano
  • Nicholas Casseb
  • Roselyn Castillo
  • Matthew Cavanaugh
  • Cayman Caven
  • Sophia Cefolia
  • Steven Jeffrey Chackman
  • Nicole Chammas
  • Jerome Cochran Chapman
  • Christopher Chau
  • Alexis Cheatum
  • Gavin Childers
  • Emily Christensen
  • Laurie L. Christensen
  • James Chuong
  • Benjamin Clark
  • Diane Summers Clarke
  • Austin Cole
  • Raechel T.X. Conyers
  • Joshua Cook
  • Cole Corder
  • Glen W. Cosman
  • Zachary Ryan Cotter
  • John Palmer Cottingham
  • Alex Cranford
  • Brooke Nanette Crochet
  • Tyler M. Cuff
  • Ryan M. Cullen
  • Arielle Cummings
  • Jordyn D'andrea
  • Hunter Daniel
  • Elyse Darcy
  • Devarati Das
  • Govinda M. Davis
  • Caroline Dean
  • David P. Dekold
  • Emilie Delannes-Molka
  • William Delgado
  • Grace Delott
  • Michael Delvecchio
  • Cassandra Devaney
  • Billy Joe Devericks
  • Christopher J. Devine
  • Lillian Dickinson
  • Tristin Dierking
  • Rodney Dillard
  • Jared R. Dinicolantonio
  • Madeline Dixon
  • Amanda Elizabeth Dobson
  • Katelyn Dodd
  • Allison Dooling
  • Luke Dorrough
  • Keri Dorwart
  • Patrick Arthur Dougherty
  • Sara Katherine Dramis
  • John Drudi
  • Sarah Dubinsky
  • Sean Duffy
  • Fergal Duggan
  • Cole Duncan
  • Katie Dwyer
  • Ashleigh Dyer
  • Carl Edelman
  • Rachel Edelman
  • David Edgerton
  • Hunter Edmonds
  • Haley Ekhaml
  • Sean Elman
  • Amearah Elsamadicy
  • Daniela Eppler
  • Emilie Erickson
  • Nancy Eriksen
  • Manuela Espinosa
  • Edwyna Estime
  • Anna Evans
  • Lindsee Blair Falcone
  • Brian Farrell
  • Seth Feldman
  • Gillian Felix
  • Kelsey Fiedler
  • Katherine Ann Fillmore
  • Lauren Danielle Fisher
  • Kyle Fleck
  • Maia Fleischman
  • Shavon Fletcher
  • Mark E. Floyd
  • Sheila B. Foley
  • Christopher Fons
  • Maya Foster
  • Sarah Fox
  • Claire Fox Hodge
  • Kathryn Frank
  • Natalie Abigail Frank
  • John-Weston Franke
  • Taylor D. Freed
  • Cheyenne Nicole Freely
  • Katerina Friedberg
  • Seth M. Friedman
  • Peter Ellis Friedrichs
  • Brandon Scott Fuller
  • Michael P. Gaetani
  • Erica Lynn Gajda
  • Brian Gallagher
  • Caleb Michael Gara
  • Hannah M. Garber
  • Angela Garcia
  • Tony Garofalo
  • Liliana Garrido
  • Samantha N. Garza
  • Taylor Gayton
  • Jackie Gellner
  • Mary Gentry
  • Abigail Simone Gershman
  • Dona Gilliland
  • Zachary Gilreath
  • Jillian Hamilton Ginger
  • Deanna Giroux
  • Matthew Goldsmith
  • Erin Gomez
  • Taylor Gooch
  • Paige Goodwin
  • Nathaniel Nate Gordon
  • Dana Goss
  • Jonathan Gottschalk
  • Emily R. Grace
  • Jay Graham
  • Madison Graham
  • Denmark Grant
  • Katie Grayson
  • Julia Greaves
  • Bently Green
  • Callon Green
  • Emily Greentree
  • Lee Greenwald
  • Anna Katherine Gregory
  • Claire Griffin
  • Richard Griffin
  • Eric Grimm
  • Jacob Guerra
  • Kimberly Guest
  • Robert Gundert
  • Nancy Haddad Derleth
  • Derrick Haddox
  • Max Hadley
  • Robert A. Hagenow
  • David Grobow Hahn
  • Rebecca Halbach
  • Bruce Elliott Hall
  • Lorie Hall
  • Kylie Hance
  • Meg Hancock
  • Kathleen Hannan
  • Charles Harkness
  • Lane Harrell
  • Abrianna Harris
  • Richele Harris
  • Samuel Hauke
  • Stephanie Haumschild
  • Kara Haywood
  • Mitch Hedrick
  • Addie Heigel
  • Elise Helton
  • Elizabeth A. Hernandez
  • Kendall Herron
  • Ashley Boyes Hetzel
  • Chaniece Marie Hill
  • Sarah Hillman
  • Lexi Hivner
  • Carol Holley
  • Leonard Paul Hood
  • William Hoover
  • Emma Goodloe Hope
  • Anosheh Hormozyari
  • Kevin Richard Horton
  • Stephen M. Houghton
  • Grant A. Hrabik
  • Joseph Hubble
  • Claire Hughes
  • Erika Hughes
  • Thomas Paul Humann
  • Susan Hummelbaugh
  • Ryan Hunsicker
  • Susan Hunt
  • Abbie Hunter
  • Anita Hurlburt
  • William P. Hurley
  • Claire Hutchinson
  • David Edward Irwin
  • Samuel F. Izzo
  • Raphael Jacob
  • Greggory Jacobs
  • Spenser Jaenichen
  • Tom Jarvis
  • Ashton Jenne
  • Alexis Jones
  • Harriet Jones
  • Robert Duncan Jones
  • Julie Jorgensen
  • Natalie Jostes
  • Ryan Joyce
  • Brittainy Joyner
  • Alaina Kate Jraige
  • Glenn A. Kaminska
  • Cameron Kapperman
  • Kristie Marie Kargus
  • Mackenzie Keffalos
  • Emily R. Keller
  • Isaac K. Keller
  • Jeffrey Keller
  • Katrin Kelley
  • Nate Kelly
  • Kadeejah Jade Kelly-Previl
  • Kevin J. Kennedy
  • William Kennedy
  • Kelsey Leigh Kenny
  • Annie Kenville
  • Garrett Kettle
  • Aaqib Khan
  • Humera Khan
  • Eleanor Kim
  • Jiwon Kim
  • Madeline Kincaid
  • Caitlin Kirk
  • Eleanor Klemsz
  • Amy Klie
  • Andrew Koehler
  • David P. Koller
  • Camille Konopka
  • Kaden Kotinek
  • Madeline M. Krolczyk
  • Michael Krupka
  • Nicole Kuprovska
  • Talia Kutsaftis
  • Sabrina Marie La Rosa
  • James Ceth Land
  • Sophia Landress
  • Megan Lane
  • Lauren Laphen
  • Kathryn L. Larkin
  • Ethan Daniel Lavelle
  • Pamela Leblanc
  • Holly Lechner
  • Samuel Peter Ledoux
  • Hanna Lee
  • Samuel Leffert
  • Reba Letsa
  • Caroline Elizabeth Lettrich
  • Suzanne T. Lewis
  • Amber Li
  • Weston Scott Light
  • Leeann Littlejohn
  • Ryan Loofbourrow
  • Garrett Francis Lucey
  • Kara M. Luebbering
  • Sarah R. Lundgren
  • Dina Lupancu
  • George Mckittrick Lusk
  • Phuong Luu
  • Mary Maas
  • Kaelyn Nicole Mack
  • Sarah Mackimm
  • Tim Maffett
  • Judson Mahan
  • Roxanna Maiberger
  • Nadeen Makhzoum
  • Jessica S. Malone
  • Shea Maloney
  • Grace M. Mangan
  • Quinn Mann
  • Joseph James Marino
  • Justine Marlin
  • Sabrina Marquez
  • Lami Mason
  • Kirsten D. Mason-Jones
  • Haley Matthes
  • Kasey Corn Mccalla
  • Dennis F. Mccarthy
  • James P. Mccarthy
  • Anna Mccliment
  • Erika Rachelle Mcclintock
  • Zachary John Mccormack
  • Caroline Ellis Mccracken
  • Selena Mcewen-Wood
  • Matty Mcgee
  • Robert Mcgee
  • Teri Mchugh
  • Mason Mcinturff
  • Mckell Mcintyre
  • Emma Mckellar
  • Kelsey Mckinney
  • Barnaby E. Mclaughlin
  • MJ McMahan
  • Diana Kristine Mejia Whisler
  • Martha Melaku
  • Eloise Melcher
  • Alexander A. Melvin
  • Amy L. Metzgar
  • Emily Maureen Miller
  • Kelli Miller
  • Krista Miller
  • James Conner Mitchell
  • Ryan Mitchem
  • John Joseph Mollica
  • Justin Montoto
  • Blake Morain
  • Alexis Taylor Morgenstern
  • Jeanette Morris
  • Taylor K. Morrison
  • Robert D. Morrow
  • Neema Muderhwa
  • Kate Munkittrick
  • William A. Munoz
  • Collin Murdock
  • Laura A. Murray
  • Lesley Musevincent
  • Catherine Nachman Thigpen
  • Victoria Narezo
  • Charles Joseph Nash
  • William Bryant Neal
  • Emily Neely
  • Tanya Nesbitt
  • Jeremiah Robert Newhall
  • Kristy Nguyen
  • Douglas Nielsen
  • Devon Hideo Alan Nishimura
  • Daniel Alexander Niswonger
  • Heather Nivison
  • Abby Nix
  • Logan Noe
  • Mackenzie Novak
  • Andy Nunez
  • Cameron Obioha
  • Libbi O'dean
  • Bassam Odtallah
  • Jason Patrick O'dwyer
  • Lawrence E. Olliver
  • Tracy Olsen
  • Kelly Olszewski
  • Megan O'neill
  • Alexa Opdyke
  • M. Paige Chamberlain Ornduff
  • Logan Osborne
  • Alexis Palma
  • Rachel Corinne Palmer
  • Austin Randolph Palmore
  • Amy Parette
  • Sophia Park
  • Alexis Parker
  • Trevor Patschorke
  • Samuel Patterson
  • Josephine Pechous
  • Samantha Justine Pecoraio
  • Camille Peltier
  • Alexandra Perez
  • Lewis Perling
  • Owen Peters
  • Kayla Pfeifer
  • Celine (Chuyen) Pham
  • Megan Pharis
  • Patrick Pickering
  • Carlton Powers
  • Thomas Prible
  • Brandy Gillette Price
  • Madalynn Mckenzie Price
  • Joseph E. Quinn
  • Ashley Racette
  • Kaeleigh Rafield
  • Karen Rai
  • Myrah Ramirez
  • Andrew J. Ramos
  • Andrew Rasbold
  • Jackson Ratcliff
  • Isaac Ray
  • Jeremy Ray
  • Olivia Rayburn
  • Robert Benjamin Reardon
  • Valentina Recchia
  • Emma J. Redinger
  • Jaime L. Regan
  • Olivia Grace Reinhardt
  • Rachel Allis Remke
  • Adam Renfro
  • Chryl A. Resnick
  • Becca Reynolds
  • Samuel Maxwell Rhodes
  • Georgia R. Rice
  • Katelyn G. Richardson
  • Jordyne Richartz
  • Jeremy W. Richter
  • Brianna Riguera
  • Andrew Roach
  • Tiffany L. Roach Martin
  • Shayna Roark
  • Rebecca Roberts
  • Aaron Rodriguez
  • Victoria Rohloff
  • Jonathan G. Roquemore
  • Sam Scott Ross
  • Mark Roth
  • Stephen Rothring
  • Frederick Rudesheim
  • Emily Rule
  • Annick Runyon
  • Eliza Russell
  • Teneil Russell
  • Alex Rychlak
  • Hannah Noelle Ryninger
  • David Safir
  • Cairin M. Sager
  • Elizabeth Sanderson
  • Rachel Santos
  • Aminat Sanusi
  • Benjamin Michael Scheel
  • Taylor H. Scheiner
  • James Schirmer
  • Gemma Caroline Schmidt
  • Jeff D. Scott
  • Keanna Seabrooks
  • Emily Seale
  • Kaylee Secor
  • Alexia Seepersaud
  • Edin Sehic
  • Jenna Seiler
  • Brooke P. Seliger
  • Sidney Sensing
  • Anzario Serrant
  • Christina Jacobson Shahkar
  • Janelle Shankin
  • Dean Shauger
  • Harriet Swann Shelly
  • Stephanie Alise Sheps
  • Alexandria Short
  • Emma Short
  • Candace Hope Shown
  • James K. Simms
  • Chalisa Sims
  • Rohit K. Sinha
  • Kate Slade
  • Catherine B. Slavin
  • Rileigh Smirl
  • Taylor Smith
  • Thomas Zachary Smith
  • Andy Snow
  • Jinsu Sohn
  • Myles Sonnier
  • Olivia Sorg
  • Logan D. Speyer
  • Nikolas Spilson
  • Bradley Spivey
  • Sarah Jayne Steinberg
  • Samuel Stoner
  • Carolyn Strahs
  • Emma Strenski
  • Nelson Suarez
  • Zachary J. Sullivan
  • Adrian Suryajaya
  • Riley Svikhart
  • Mikaila Kalani Sward
  • Kyle Swearengen
  • Cameron Tabrizian
  • Caroline Tague
  • Nao Takada
  • Michael C. Tan
  • Madison Tao
  • Grant Tarleton
  • Jasmine C. Taylor
  • Kristina Michelle Taylor
  • Imelsis Tellez Riquelme
  • Saugat Kumar Thapa
  • Jeffrey M. Thompson
  • Mary Jaclyn Thompson
  • Abigail Thomson
  • Michael Tibbits
  • Beth Ann Tobey
  • Thu Tran
  • Sara M. Trevino
  • Ryan P. Tunink
  • Emily Elise Useman
  • Jason William Vandehei
  • Emily Anne Velcamp
  • Richard F. Waddington
  • Nicole Wagner
  • Yewei Wang
  • John Anthony Wasilowski
  • Tamara H. Waters
  • Margo Watkins
  • Taylor Weatherspoon
  • Erin Elizabeth Weightman
  • Josephine Wenson
  • Cole West
  • Benjamin M. Weston
  • Katherine Whittington
  • Samantha Nicole Whyte
  • Brayden Matthew Williams
  • Hunter Williams
  • Jarrett A. Wilson
  • Stephen Luke Winbery
  • Coby D. Wishert
  • Luke Wolf
  • Sarah Elizabeth Wood
  • Kara Lyn Woods
  • Dean Worley
  • Madison Wurth
  • Hunter Nicole Wyllie
  • Jacqueline Yee
  • Melissa Youngpeter
  • Amon Gregory Younker
  • Leah Younkers-Jodsaas
  • Christopher Yu
  • Zain Ali Zaidi
  • Ashley Zenobio
  • Michelle Zhang
  • Jesse Zilinski
  • Ben Zinnecker

Advocates

  • Kurt Alexander
  • Alexander P. Almazan
  • Erika L. Amarante
  • David A. Anderson
  • John D. Aspland
  • Nicholas W. Bartlett
  • Michael D. Begey
  • Patrick W. Begos
  • Hannah Black
  • Meagan Blackwell-Patterson
  • Michael E. Blumenfeld
  • Kevin Boston
  • Noah Boudreau
  • Fred E. (Trey) Bourn
  • Patrick A. Bousquet
  • Alan G. Brackett
  • Lisa Fontana Brennan
  • Thomas Folger Brink
  • Courtney C. Britt
  • Kaylee Brown
  • Rebecca L. Burroughs
  • Nisha P. Byers
  • Cristina Cambo
  • Jason J. Campbell
  • Gary M. Carter
  • Michael D. Carter
  • Grayson B. Cassada
  • Amy J. Collins Cassidy
  • John V. Cattie
  • Sergio E. Chavez
  • Laurie L. Christensen
  • Susan E. Cohen
  • Martin A. Conn
  • Elizabeth Clare Cooney
  • Mark Craun
  • Steven M. Crawford
  • Sarah M. Cullen
  • Thomas J. Cullen
  • Michelle Thurber Czapski
  • Jordyn D'Andrea
  • Elyse Darcy
  • Andrew DeSimone
  • Pamela J. DeVet
  • Desiree Patrice Dixon
  • John H. Dollarhide
  • Stephanie U. Eaton
  • Sarah T. Eibling
  • June J. Essis
  • Stephanie Fichera
  • Tracy H. Fowler
  • Morissa Fregeau
  • Philip S. Goldberg
  • Daniel I. Graham
  • Daniel J. Griffith
  • Mary M. Griffith
  • Whitney Horak
  • Brian J. Hunt
  • Ryan C. Ing
  • Joel S. Isenberg
  • Damian S. Jackson
  • Thamir A. R. Kaddouri
  • John Karpinski
  • Rachel E. Keen
  • Kalliopi P. Kousis
  • Bradford S. Krause
  • Penny B. Lawson
  • Quyen Thi Le
  • Kevin M. Lesperance
  • Melissa Lin
  • Kelly M. Lippincott
  • Beth A. Lochmiller
  • Madeleine Loeffler
  • Robert L. Love
  • Hannah Lowe
  • R. Jeffrey Lowe
  • Melissa Marie Malloy
  • Chad C. Marchand
  • Brett A. Mason
  • C. Stuart Mauney
  • Daniel R. McCune
  • M. Patrick McDowell
  • Michael McGrory
  • Conor A. McLaughlin
  • Kurtis Robert McManus
  • William K. McVisk
  • William Menzalora
  • Vanessa Merassaint
  • Heather L. Mills
  • Linda Bondi Morrison
  • Matthew T. Nelson
  • Jennifer F. Nutter
  • David W. Orlandini
  • Kasia S. Park
  • Hillary D. Patterson
  • Irene Porter
  • Courtney Davis Powell
  • Jill Cranston Rice
  • Nicholas E. Richardson
  • John Thomas Rouse
  • Jerry J. Sallings
  • Tracey Salmon-Smith
  • Bret A. Sanders
  • Ryan Thomas Sanders
  • Fred Williams Sartor
  • Stewart K. Schmella
  • Adam M. Shienvold
  • Mark D. Shifton
  • Michael J. Shipman
  • Kenton H. Steele
  • Christopher D. Stofko
  • Rebecca E. Strickland
  • Kelly H. Stringer
  • Daniel Strong
  • Timothy Stucky
  • James N. Tallberg
  • Tobin J. Taylor
  • Morgan S. Templeton
  • Andrew David Tharp
  • Gina Tincher
  • Sara M. Turner
  • Sarah N. Turner
  • Ed Turtle
  • Frederick J. Ufkes
  • David C. Vaughn
  • Kanton Vaverka
  • Kyle Waddell
  • Jared A. Wagner
  • Killian R. Walsh
  • Danielle M. Waltz
  • Meredith A. Webster
  • Katelyn S. Werner
  • Tracey A. Werner
  • Joseph R. Wheeler
  • Kenneth Williams
  • Marc E. Williams
  • Ryan Williams
  • Keely N. Wilson
  • Randi J. Winter
  • Ricardo A. Woods
  • Sandra J. Wunderlich
  • Todd M. Zimmerman

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.

Virginia’s Attorney General-Elect announced the senior leadership team for the Office of the Attorney General, Tillman Breckenridge will serve as Solicitor General. Breckenridge has been a member of DRI since 2009.


DRI Education

Upcoming Seminars & Webinars

Early Bird savings of up to $700 for February seminars end on Monday, January 12! Click "Continue Reading" below to see the full seminar list.

Upcoming Webinars

Defending the Algorithm™: Practical AI Strategies for Defense Attorneys
January 21, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM Central

From the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy's AI Task Force
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice at an unprecedented pace—and defense attorneys who fail to adapt risk falling behind. This one-hour webinar provides practical guidance on AI tools and workflows specifically designed for civil defense attorneys and insurance claims professionals. Whether you're refining your current AI practices or looking to expand your capabilities, this session will sharpen your skills and introduce new strategies for effective AI implementation.

The registration is free for DRI members and $50 for non-members. Earn 1.00 General Education credit!

Upcoming Seminars

2026 Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar
February 18–20, 2026 | Orlando, Florida

DRI is proud to announce the 39th annual Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar in Orlando, Florida. This seminar will provide you with invaluable information and tools to represent government entities from intake through appeal. This year’s faculty includes a renowned Supreme Court advocate, legal scholars, seasoned litigators, in-house government lawyers, and a qualified immunity expert, alongside law enforcement, employment, land use, and education experts from across the United States. Session topics will cover national trends and developments in the realm of civil rights and governmental tort liability litigation. Attendees will learn practical tips and strategies for addressing issues in the areas of qualified immunity, Monell claims, Amicus briefing, law enforcement defense, education, employment, land use, and more. The 2026 program also offers the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and develop winning strategies with experienced litigators, insurance professionals, government lawyers, and other experts in the field. Save up to $700 when you register by January 12!

2026 Women in the Law Seminar
February 18–20, 2026 | Orlando, Florida

Join us in Orlando–the city where dreams come true–for a transformative seminar designed to help women in the legal field build the skills needed to achieve both professional and personal success! When women in law unite, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish! This event brings together an inspiring lineup of psychologists, top trial litigators, businesswomen, and in-house counsel, all sharing their expertise and insights. From leadership strategies to self-care techniques, you’ll walk away with practical tools to reignite your passion and grow stronger, healthier, and more empowered in your career. Together, we will experience the magic of Women in the Law. Let’s build, grow, and lead in a profession that is stronger when we rise together! Save up to $700 when you register by January 12!

2026 Product Liability Conference
February 18–20, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas

The 2026 DRI Product Liability Conference offers fresh insights into the rapidly evolving field of product liability law. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and technology-focused programming, participants will explore strategies for defending claims, addressing regulatory expectations, and responding to the use of AI in litigation. Attendees will also gain practical tools for improving communication across generations and strengthening trial strategies through innovation. Alongside the education, the conference provides rich opportunities to connect with manufacturers, experts, and peers to build lasting professional relationships. Save up to $700 when you register by January 12!

2026 Insurance Coverage and Claims Institute
March 11–13, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois

Join us in Chicago this March for a program that will bring you up to date on cutting-edge topics facing the insurance industry at DRI’s 2026 Insurance Coverage and Claims Institute. Hear from experts on subjects such as business interruption coverage, the impact of towers of coverage, navigating the bad faith minefield, and more. Expand your network while enjoying the Windy City with your DRI community. Save up to $700 when you register by January 26!

2026 Advanced Litigation and Trial Strategies in Retail and Hospitality Seminar
March 25–27, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee

In a groundbreaking experiment, the DRI Litigation Skills and Retail & Hospitality committees are thrilled to present the “Man vs. Machine Mock Trial,” a look into the future of defense litigation and jury evaluations. First, we be presenting a mock trial before a live jury, where their deliberations can be analyzed by seasoned litigators throughout the country. What makes jurors in 2026 tick? What information can be learned from the feedback of actual human jurors? Next, we will then present the same mock trial in a cutting-edge AI Jury Simulation program, which will create artificial “juror personas” to provide us with their own verdict. What information can be learned from the feedback of AI jurors? How do the results of the live and AI juries compare and contrast? How can these tools better prepare defense litigators, our clients, and adjusters to evaluate the value of our cases? We will explore these questions—and more—at our 2026 seminar in Nashville. Save up to $700 when you register by February 9!

2026 Construction Law Seminar
March 25–27, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee

As any experienced construction lawyer will attest, there is no such thing as a flawless construction project. Every phase—whether it’s drafting and negotiating the contract, mobilizing crews, and breaking ground, addressing unforeseen site conditions, identifying, and remediating defects, or navigating costly project delays—presents its own set of risks, complexities, and opportunities for dispute. These challenges are further compounded by the increasing threat of natural disasters and extreme weather events, which have become more frequent and disruptive in recent years. Such events can halt work, damage partially completed structures, and trigger cascading claims involving multiple parties. In this environment, construction professionals face not only traditional contractual and operational issues but also new and unprecedented hurdles that test the limits of risk allocation and project planning. When conflicts do occur, effective litigation and dispute resolution become essential tools. How do attorneys, clients, and insurers work together proactively to identify vulnerabilities before ground is broken, manage claims as they arise, and effectively manage relationships throughout litigation? In today’s construction landscape, risk management is no longer a single step in the process—it is a continuous, strategic effort from start to finish. Join the DRI Construction Law Committee as we share practical strategies for practicing in this challenging and ever-evolving landscape. Save up to $700 when you register by February 9!

2026 Medical Liability and Health Care Law Seminar
March 25–27, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee

The premier DRI Medical Liability and Health Care Law Seminar is returning to Nashville, TN! Join us at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, just a short walk from the heart of the city, for an event tailored by defense counsel, in-house counsel, and claims professionals. At this year’s event, you’ll gain access to unparalleled insights, unique networking opportunities, CLE credit, and so much more! The 2026 seminar is complete with exceptional faculty, including a urologist, ophthalmologist, jury consultant, and the attorney who defended the high-profile Kowalski v. Johns Hopkins case ("Take Care of Maya"). Plus, hear from experts on HIPAA, life care planning, damages, "wearable" tracking devices, and finally, an obstetrician/attorney birth trauma specialist. Join us to reconnect with clients and colleagues at on- and off-site networking events and explore all that Nashville has to offer. We look forward to seeing you in March! Save up to $700 when you register by February 9!

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 $700 when you register by March 2!

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 $700 when you register by March 2!

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 $700 when you register by March 16!

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 $700 when you register by March 16!


Quote of the Month

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”
― Charles W. Eliot