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As the DTCI state representative for DRI, I think it beneficial to remind the defense bar why membership in DRI is so important.
DRI is the leading organization of private-practice attorneys and in-house counsel who strive to provide high-quality, balanced service to their individual and corporate clients. It comprises more than 25 substantive committees whose focus is to develop ongoing and critical dialogue about areas of practice. DRI provides access to resources and tools to grow your practice: Members can search a database of more than 65,000 experts; attend renowned CLE seminars, conferences and webcasts; network with 22,000-plus like-minded defense practitioners; and more.
DRI focuses on five main goals:
• Education: To teach, educate and improve the skills of its members;
• Justice: To strive for improvement in the civil justice system;
• Balance: To encourage balance in the justice system in the minds of potential jurors and on all fields where disputes are resolved;
• Economics: To assist members in dealing with the economic realities of the practice, including the competitive legal marketplace and the efficient resolution of litigation; and
• Professionalism and service: To urge members to practice ethically and responsibly, keeping in mind the lawyer’s responsibilities that go beyond the interest of the client to the good of the American society as a whole.
DRI is the largest international membership organization of attorneys representing the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. Diversity is a core value at DRI and is fundamental to the success of the organization. It seeks the innumerable benefits and contributions that the perspectives, backgrounds, cultures and life experiences a diverse membership provides to our organization. Furthermore, its members and leaders are encouraged to be leaders of other defense organizations. DRI encourages all organizations and law firms to promote diversity, inclusion and civility in their membership and leadership.
The annual DRI meeting will be held Oct. 16-20 at the Sheridan Hotel in Chicago. The theme of the meeting is “Energizing Your Career; Making Rain in the Windy City.” Chicago is a dynamic hub of the Midwest and the home of the blues, comedy and the Cubs. What better setting for New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner to share his thoughts on “Blue Zones” and “The Secrets of Living Longer”? Charles Krauthammer, M.D., also will present on the future of health care, medicine and bioethics. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis will share tips concerning effective oral advocacy. In addition, there will be sharing of the latest deployments in commercial litigation, medical malpractice, professional liability, product liability, trucking law and trial practice. This blockbuster national seminar in our own backyard is simply not one to miss.
As Indiana’s leader for DRI, I want to personally encourage you to join our organization and attend the annual meeting for the betterment of your practice, the judicial system and of your life. The knowledge gained from membership and attendance at the annual meeting is only exceeded by the networking contacts and friendships that you gain.
If I can answer any of your questions about DRI, please call me at 812-917-2804.•
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Mr. Kyrouac is a partner in Wilkinson Goeller Modesitt Wilkinson & Drummy and is a former president of the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
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