DEFENSE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The Defense Research Institute (DRI) was founded in 1960 to limit the abuse of legal
processes for personal injury compensation through a program of education and informa-
tion. The institute seeks to improve the knowledge and ability of defense attorneys and the
fairness of the ADVERSARY SYSTEM of justice. It
is intended to be a counterpart to the American
Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA), which is
plaintiff-oriented. The institute provides
research facilities such as files of speeches, briefs,
and names of expert witnesses, plus a small
library. Activities include institutes and pro-
grams for lawyers, law students, the general pub-
lic, and special interest groups. Its members
include attorneys, claims investigators, adjusters,
insurance companies, trade associations, corpo-
rations, and groups of frequently targeted defen-
dants such as doctors, pharmacists, engineers,
and manufacturers.
The institute is organized into three divisions:
the Arbitration Program, the Individual
Research Service, and Transcripts of Economists’
Testimony. DRI also has various committees
including those with the following titles:
ADMIRALTY LAW, Congressional Liaison, ENVIRONMENTAL
LAW, Manufacturers’ Corporate Counsel, Medical-Legal, PRODUCT LIABILITY,
Professional Liability, Property and Liability
Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation.
The institute publishes For the Defense
(monthly), Brief Bank Index (annually), and a
membership directory. It also maintains a database
of expert witnesses for defense litigation
purposes.
FURTHER READINGS
Defense Research Institute. Available online at
