DTCI: DRI is the voice of the defense bar

My defense lawyer colleagues, I write again in my capacity as Indiana state representative for the DRI. As you know, DRI is the national organization of civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel. If you are a defense lawyer, and you are NOT a member of DRI, you are truly doing yourself and your practice a disservice. DRI provides its members with wonderful opportunities to better their practices, increase their client base, and, most important, make lasting professional and personal relationships.

While I have your attention, I want to point out one of the newer DRI programs, of which I am so proud. It is the “DRI for LIFE” initiative, which focuses on the well-being of DRI members. DRI is working every day to include programs on health and work-life balance in all its events. All lawyers — and not just defense lawyers — are under such stress every day that it is easy to put our health and personal lives aside, with the “all work and no play” mentality that this career demands. DRI recognizes this challenge and is here to support all of us in our efforts to be healthier and happier!

Also, I want to make sure that you know that the DRI Annual Meeting is close by this year. Mark your calendars, because we are going to Chicago! The annual meeting is from Oct. 4-8, 2017, and it is being held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. DRI has planned a week of spectacular speakers, cutting-edge CLE presentations, and creative networking events. Of course, Chicago also has world-class museums, architecture, shopping, music, sports and dining, so there will be activities for all!

As always, the DRI Annual Meeting is designed to provide attendees with opportunities to engage, learn, connect and grow. We will hear from some of the world’s foremost authorities on the legal landscape, the Supreme Court, foreign affairs and domestic politics. We will learn about developing legal topics and earn up to 12 hours of CLE credit, including up to 3 hours of ethics credit. We will network with each other during the meeting and at wonderful Chicago locations, such as the Field Museum, where one of the networking receptions will occur this year. We will have an opportunity to grow our firms by getting more involved at the business and industry meetings. Join DRI and register for the annual meeting at www.dri.org. I hope to see you all there!•

Renee Mortimer is a partner in the Schererville office of Hinshaw & Culbertson and is vice-president of the DTCI. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.