The Voice^TM

The lineup begins with keynote speaker Senator Joe Manchin, who will take the stage Thursday, October 22, for “Bridging the Divide: The Rule of Law, Civility & the Path Forward.” Drawing on decades of experience in public service, including serving as a U.S. senator and governor of West Virginia, Manchin will offer his perspective on leadership, civility, the rule of law, and navigating differences in an increasingly complex environment.

The keynote is just the beginning. Also on Thursday, attendees will hear directly from leaders who sit at the intersection of law, business, and innovation.

Connie Brenton, founder and CEO of the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) and co-CEO and co-founder of LegalOps.com, will explore “Value, Risk-Sharing & the New Client-Law Firm Model: How In-House Counsel Will Buy Legal Services in the Future.” With experience as both a litigator and senior legal operations leader at companies including Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and NetApp, Brenton brings a unique perspective on how data, technology, AI, and business strategy are changing the way legal services are delivered and purchased.

For an inside look at how today's general counsel are navigating complex challenges, Robyn Buck, Senior Assistant General Counsel at Bayer; Christian Gonzalez, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Fifth Third Bancorp; and David Stringer, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of The Progressive Corporation, will join forces for “The Modern GC Playbook: Risk, Reputation, and Real-Time Decisions.” The panel will examine how in-house legal leaders identify and mitigate risk, advise executives, manage high-stakes litigation, and make critical decisions in real time.

Then, on Friday, October 23, attendees will hear from Lena Sisco, a former Department of Defense-certified military interrogator and Naval Human Intelligence Officer, who will present “Deceptive Analysis Secrets from a Former Expert Military Interrogator to Spot the Lies and Get the Truth.” Drawing on her experience in military intelligence and her work training government and private-sector professionals, Sisco will share techniques related to communication, interviewing, body language, and deceptive analysis that attorneys can apply to their own interactions and investigations.

And as the 2026 midterm elections approach, Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, will provide an insider's perspective on the political landscape in “The Mid-Terms and the State of the Electorate: What Trial Lawyers Need to Know.” A veteran political journalist and analyst, Walter will break down the forces shaping the electorate, Congress, and Washington and discuss what trial lawyers should understand about the political environment.

Together, these speakers represent exactly what makes DRI’s Annual Meeting different. You won't just hear from legal industry experts. You'll gain perspectives from business leaders, in-house counsel, legal operations innovators, political analysts, and other experts whose work intersects with the practice of civil defense.

And you'll experience all of this in Washington, D.C., during America's 250th anniversary year, making the nation's capital a particularly fitting setting for conversations about the rule of law, the future of the legal profession, and the issues affecting businesses and their counsel.

Add in CLE programming, the hands-on AI Skills Lab, business-building networking opportunities, and the chance to connect with thousands of members of the defense bar, and there are plenty of reasons to make plans for DRI's 2026 Annual Meeting.

Don't miss the opportunity to hear these voices and be part of the conversation.

Learn More and Register for DRI's 2026 Annual Meeting

Center Asks Supreme Court to Address Abusive Forum Shopping by Plaintiffs

In August 2026, the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy (the Center), joined by the Illinois Defense Counsel, filed an amicus brief in Mead Johnson & Co., et al. v. Clarissa Greear, et al., No. 26-29, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review an Illinois personal-jurisdiction ruling that, in its view, enables abusive forum shopping in nationwide mass-tort litigation.

The underlying dispute arose from thousands of product-liability suits alleging that nutritional products used for preterm infants cause necrotizing enterocolitis, despite contrary federal scientific and medical consensus. Although most of the roughly 12,500 plaintiffs live outside Illinois, 97 percent filed in plaintiff-friendly St. Clair or Madison County against Mead Johnson, which had moved its principal place of business to Indiana years before the suits and allegedly lacked claim-specific Illinois contacts. A St. Clair County court nevertheless allowed jurisdiction, prompting Mead Johnson’s certiorari petition.

The Center’s amicus brief argues that the ruling creates a state-court substitute for federal multidistrict litigation without Congress’s safeguards, including neutral transfer decisions, common-question requirements, and limits on trials in the transferee court. According to the Center, the decision improperly expands both general and specific jurisdiction: it treats a corporation as subject to suit wherever it was headquartered when a claim accrued, even after it left the state, and permits specific jurisdiction based on Illinois sales and marketing to nonparties even though the plaintiffs’ infants were not fed, treated, or injured there. The Center contends that these holdings conflict with Supreme Court precedent, an Illinois Supreme Court decision, and a federal ruling involving the same defendant. Review is especially important, the brief says, because procedural barriers insulate the cases from federal oversight and appellate correction while forcing businesses to bear duplicative motions, burdensome discovery, and settlement pressure before the merits are reached. Because the jurisdictional boundary is constitutional and could affect any company that once operated in one state while selling nationwide, the Center argues that only the Supreme Court can resolve the conflict and prevent the rule from spreading.

Offering the practical perspective of DRI members, who are the ones who actually get retained as local counsel when a company is pulled into a venue like this, the Center’s brief provides the Court with the on-the-ground reality: what forum shopping actually costs a defendant, how it shapes the litigation regardless of the merits, and how often it happens across the country.

The Center’s brief was authored by Sarah Elizabeth Spencer of SpencerWillson PLLC in Salt Lake City, who is a member of the Center’s Amicus Committee.  

Side impact testing is commonly conducted using either full-vehicle crash tests or sled-based simulations. Full-scale testing can replicate real-world crash configurations, while sled testing provides a controlled environment for studying specific injury mechanisms and restraint system performance. These methods are frequently used in crash reproduction involving two vehicles, as well as scenarios where a vehicle impacts a fixed object such as a utility pole.

A key component of any side impact test is the anthropomorphic test device (ATD), commonly referred to as a crash test dummy. These devices provide critical measurements of head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and other injury metrics that help researchers, manufacturers, and forensic experts understand occupant loading during a crash event.

To support the growing demand for side impact testing and crash reproduction, the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation (CAPE Testing) has expanded its portfolio with two important side impact ATDs:

• ES-2re (50th Percentile Male), representing an average adult male occupant and widely used in regulatory and research applications.
• SID-IIs (5^th Percentile Female), designed to represent a smaller female occupant and frequently used in side impact evaluations where occupant size and positioning can significantly influence injury outcomes.

Together, these dummies provide testing teams with the ability to evaluate occupant response across different body sizes and crash conditions while supporting analyses relevant to regulatory compliance, product development, and litigation.

For attorneys, access to credible testing capabilities can be especially valuable when examining questions related to vehicle design, crashworthiness, injury causation, occupant kinematics, and alternative design theories. Properly executed crash testing may provide demonstrative evidence that helps juries, mediators, and opposing experts better understand the physical realities of a collision.

As vehicles continue to evolve and side impact protection systems become increasingly sophisticated, objective testing remains one of the most effective tools for evaluating performance and understanding occupant injury potential. Whether supporting engineering investigations, product development programs, or complex litigation matters, side impact crash testing provides critical data that can withstand technical scrutiny.

Learn More

CAPE Testing now offers side impact testing utilizing both the ES-2re (50th Percentile Male) and SID-IIs (5^th Percentile Female) anthropomorphic test devices for full-vehicle and sled-based testing programs. To learn more about CAPE's crash testing, crash reproduction, and litigation support capabilities, visit capetesting.com or contact our team to discuss your testing needs.

So, how does National Hispanic Heritage Month and this year’s theme correlate back to DRI? While all of the individual characteristics that each of us hold are important and contribute to every aspect of our country, “Service” sticks out as one of the key characteristics that drives DRI. Not only service to DRI as a whole, but service to the various components of DRI. DRI is comprised of several substantive law committees, boards, and other communities that are almost entirely run by volunteers who are providing their services for the betterment of the whole. Without those volunteers, DRI would not and could not exist as an organization.

Every volunteer within DRI has unique things to offer to the organization: different ideas, diverse backgrounds, and alternative viewpoints on certain issues. This diverse collaboration helps the organization and its membership thrive into something that all of the members can utilize as a resource in our daily practice as “Lawyers Defending Business.” Not only does the collaboration help DRI thrive as a leadership organization, it also provides those business connections that help enhance our careers.

Many volunteers will also tell you that their service to DRI has led to much more by way of creating personal friendships that extend beyond our profession, much like a “Family”—another characteristic that is part of this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month theme. DRI provides its membership the opportunity to meet at various seminars and meetings in-person and virtually. These DRI connections evolve into personal friendships within and outside of the seminars and meetings.

While not everybody has the capacity or ability to volunteer for a substantive law committee role, serve on a board, or contribute to a committee, that does not mean that there are no other ways to provide service to DRI and the community. The DRI Foundation, through the DRI Cares committee, provides its members the opportunity to volunteer a small amount of time at events where DRI seminars and meetings are being held. These volunteer opportunities include things such as packing snacks and notes for children, packages for our troops, and opportunities work with local community organizations.

As a Hispanic American, I will certainly celebrate my culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. However, I will also incorporate the ideas behind this year’s theme into my role with DRI. I invite others within our organization to do the same by volunteering their time in any way possible. I am certain that the result can only be positive for both DRI and your career. “Unidos, Somos Más!”

DRI Foundation DRI Cares Vice Chair Juan M. Marquez, Jr. is a director at the Rodey Law Firm, representing a wide range of clients from local New Mexico businesses and individuals to large national and multi-national companies. He has extensive experience in federal court litigation as well as complex multi-jurisdictional proceedings. His civil litigation defense practice includes: medical malpractice, torts/personal injury, products liability, professional malpractice, insurance coverage disputes, complex business & commercial litigation, railroad transactions and litigation, property and real estate disputes, and premises liability matters.

George Parker, Partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, has been appointed President-Elect of the Alabama State Bar. Parker has been a member of DRI since 2000.

Melissa Hunter, of Galloway Wettermark Everest, has been appointed President-Elect of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association. Hunter has been a member of DRI since 2020.

Todd Harris has joined McAngus Goudelock & Courie at their Garden City, NY office. Harris has been a member of DRI since 2011.

Anne Esposito has joined Morris Duffy Alonso & Faley as Partner at their New York, NY office. Esposito has been a DRI member since 2015.

Karen Corbett has joined Sheeley LLP as Partner at their New York, NY office. Corbett has been a member of DRI since 2021.

Corby Covalt has joined Hall Booth Smith as an Associate at their Oklahoma City, OK office. Covalt has been a member of DRI since 2021.

Chris Casaleggio has joined MC Consultants, Inc as Regional Director. Casaleggio has been a member of DRI since 2025.

Claire Lee-Hsu has joined Allen & Curry PC as a Senior Associate at their Denver, CO office. Lee-Hsu has been a member of DRI since 2025.

Katie Luyster has joined Shuman McCuskey & Slicer PLLC as Of Counsel at their Charleston, WV office. Luyster has been a member of DRI since 2025.

Scott Mancuso has joined Central Mutual Insurance. Mancuso has been a member of DRI since 2025.

Maryam Nayibova has joined Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP as Associate at their Seattle, WA office. Nayibova has been a member of DRI since 2025. 

2026 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar
September 16–18, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas

Join us in San Antonio for the 2026 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar, September 16-18 at the Marriott River Center. This high-energy program blends meaningful connections with cutting-edge insights from top industry leaders covering the legal and operational issues shaping the future of senior living and long-term care. Expect dynamic counsel meetings, interactive networking (with a little Texas flair), and up to 10 hours of CLE, including an hour of ethics credit. This year’s seminar is designed to help you connect faster and more effectively—with a first-time attendee meet-up, curated small-group networking, and expanded opportunities to engage with peers and clients. You’ll also have time to enjoy San Antonio, give back through a DRI Cares community project, and connect over a complimentary lunch and coveted networking reception. Save up to $500 when you register by September 15!

2026 Strictly Automotive Seminar
September 16–18, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas

Connect with peers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) along the San Antonio Riverwalk at this year’s Strictly Automotive Seminar. Expand your knowledge with the latest tools for your practice, including technical skills from a crash demonstration, an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) vehicle simulation, and even more interactive sessions. This year’s seminar topics will build on interactive experiences and focus on implications from the latest rulings on the following topics: emerging automotive technologies, navigating tariffs, ethical AI use, and collaboration required to manage high-stakes crises. Plus, enjoy opportunities to build contacts and cultivate relationships. Save up to $500 when you register by September 15!

2026 PFAS Seminar
September 22–23, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) litigation and regulation continue to present complex and rapidly evolving challenges for defense counsel, corporate legal departments, insurers, manufacturers, retailers, and regulated businesses. This one-day seminar provides a practical, defense-focused overview of the current PFAS landscape, covering legal, scientific, regulatory, and insurance issues driving claims and compliance obligations. Five substantive sessions will address key developments in federal and state litigation, including Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) multidistrict litigation, personal injury, property damage, water contamination, natural resource damages, medical monitoring, and emerging liability theories. The program will also examine changing state and federal regulatory requirements, product reporting obligations, supply chain diligence, disclosure risks, and enforcement trends. Attendees will gain insight into PFAS science, testing, remediation, causation, expert evidence, damages, insurance coverage, class certification, settlement strategies, and risk management. The seminar will equip participants to assess exposure, advise clients, preserve defenses, and navigate future PFAS-related claims and compliance challenges. Save up to $400 when you register by September 21!

2026 DRI Annual Meeting
October 21–23, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, gather with DRI, the Association of Lawyers Defending Business, in Washington, D.C., for a dynamic 2026 Annual Meeting focused on connections, timely insights, and the advancement of the profession. Save up to $500 when you register by October 20!

2026 Asbestos Medicine Seminar
November 18–20, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee

Join us in Nashville for DRI's Asbestos Medicine Seminar, where cutting-edge science, high-stakes litigation strategy, and the future of law converge. This year we are shaking up the traditional conference format with a fully immersive, human and AI-powered mock trial. Following educational primers, we will present a complete asbestos case: opening statements, direct and cross-examinations of key witnesses, and closing arguments. A live jury will hear the case alongside the audience. You will then watch them deliberate via real-time stream, then hear directly from the jurors on what persuaded them and what did not. AI experts from Stanford University and Viewpoints.ai then reveal how an AI jury evaluated the same facts, offering a direct comparison between human and artificial decision-making. All of it in the heart of Nashville, steps from live music and award-winning restaurants. Save up to $700 when you register by October 5!

2026 Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium
December 2–4, 2026 | New York City, New York

Join leading insurance coverage practitioners, claims professionals, and counsel at the 2026 Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium, hosted by DRI's Insurance Law Committee in New York City. Over two and a half days, attendees will examine key developments shaping insurance litigation and coverage practice. Sessions will cover insurers' role in promoting safety and stability, strategies for trying bad faith cases, and the challenges posed by AI-powered claimants using generative tools in litigation. Other topics include emerging coverage issues in social media, influencer marketing, digital platforms, rideshare, autonomous vehicles, and mobility trends; how artificial intelligence is reshaping risk transfer, indemnity, and contractual risk allocation; ethical obligations within the tripartite relationship; defenses to collusive judgments and manufactured liability; and recent developments in first-party property coverage. Attendees will leave with practical, actionable insights and expanded professional connections through networking events and committee activities. Save up to $700 when you register by October 19!

2026 Professional Liability Seminar
December 2–4, 2026 | New York City, New York

Get practical strategies for navigating today's toughest professional liability challenges. This seminar brings together attorneys and claims professionals defending licensed professionals across multiple disciplines for timely insights on pro se plaintiffs, profession-specific liability trends, claims handling, mock voir dire, ethics in the digital age, and talent retention. Through interactive sessions, breakout tracks, and hands-on programming, you'll gain actionable takeaways you can put to work immediately while building valuable connections with leading defense counsel and claims professionals from across the country. Save up to $700 when you register by October 19!