The 2026 DRI Annual Meeting will bring civil defense attorneys, in-house counsel, claims professionals, and industry leaders to Washington, DC, October 21–23. Timed with the nation's 250th anniversary, the event will feature CLE programming and discussions about the legal and business issues affecting the defense bar.
Thursday’s program includes a keynote fireside chat with Senator Joe Manchin, moderated by DRI President-Elect Jill C. Rice, about civility, principled compromise, and the rule of law. In-house and legal operations leaders will also examine risk, reputation, value, and the future of client-law firm relationships. Friday’s sessions turn to trial work, with Amy Walter covering the electorate’s impact on trial lawyers, followed by sessions on courtroom persuasion, deception analysis, AI, and litigation skills.
IMS Legal Strategies is sponsoring this year's DRI Annual Meeting, represented on-site by Strategy Advisor Joe Maronick. As attendees consider changing juror attitudes and client expectations around cost and risk, Joe will be available to discuss how IMS’s integrated services enable defense teams to assess cases early and prepare the most persuasive trial narratives.
Our consultants help defense attorneys test themes, witnesses, and damages arguments through mock trials and focus groups, while building risk profiles for jury selection. Our graphics and presentation technology teams work with defense counsel to develop strong visual strategies and deliver flawless presentations. IMS also conducts custom expert witness searches, connecting attorneys with qualified experts whose expertise fits the unique needs of each matter.
If you are attending the 2026 DRI Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, connect with Joe to explore how IMS can support your upcoming cases.
