DRI is the national organization of defense trial lawyers and corporate counsel. DRI provides numerous educational and informational resources to DRI members and offers many opportunities for liaison among defense trial lawyers, Corporate America, and state and local defense organizations. DRI also has an international presence, seeking to enhance understanding of the law among members of the defense community who have reason to be concerned with the expanding globalization of litigation defense. The following are DRI's goals:
- Education: To teach and educate and to improve the skills of
the defense law practitioner
- Justice: To strive for improvement in the civil justice system
- Balance: To be a counterpoint to the plaintiff's bar and seek 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 defense law practice, including the competitive legal marketplace
- 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 American society as a whole
AWARDS
Each year DRI's Annual Professional Achievement and Service Awards celebrate and
honor outstanding performance by state and local defense organizations (SLDO's),
DRI law firms, and individuals. The Awards are presented at DRI's Annual Meeting
held in October.
SCHOLARSHIPS
DRI offers a Law Student Diversity Scholarship program open to second-year African
American, Hispanic, Asian, Pan Asian and Native American students. Second-year female
law students are also eligible regardless of race or ethnicity. Two (2) scholarships
in the amount of $10,000 each will be awarded to successful applicants.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN DRI: A STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE
DRI is the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation.
Diversity is a core value at DRI. Indeed, diversity is fundamental to the success of the organization, and we seek out and embrace the innumerable benefits and contributions that the perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences a diverse membership provides.
Inclusiveness is the chief means to increase the diversity of DRI’s membership and leadership positions. DRI’s members and potential leaders are often also members and leaders of other defense organizations. Accordingly, DRI encourages all national, state, and local defense organizations to promote diversity and inclusion in their membership and leadership.