DRI Annual Meeting Recap: Built for Business – The Future of the Defense Bar
The 2025 DRI Annual Meeting took place October 15–17, 2025, at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. Several members of WDTL’s leadership team, including Maggie Sweeney, Ashley Nagrodski, Rory Cosgrove, and Allison Krashan attended the meeting, as well as WDTL members holding leadership positions in DRI including Rachel Reynolds and Lori O’Tool. This flagship event brought together hundreds of civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel from across the country for three days of education, leadership development, and unparalleled networking opportunities.The meeting theme, Built for Business: The Future of the Defense Bar, guided a robust agenda featuring world-class speakers, including keynote speaker Bob Woodward, who delivered a fireside chat on leadership and truth. Attendees earned CLE credits through sessions on cutting-edge topics such as:
- Third-party litigation funding strategies
- Navigating interactions with Attorneys General
- Bridging the gap between the courtroom and the C-suite
Leadership programming focused on empowering the next generation of defense bar leaders. Sessions explored best practices for building successful teams, defining organizational culture, and preparing for emerging challenges in civil litigation. WDTL’s own Maggie Sweeney spoke on a panel on Tips on Effective Amicus Programs, and Allison Krashan spoke on a panel on Engagement with Corporate Counsel.
Networking was front and center throughout the event, providing opportunities for members to engage in governance and strategic planning. Attendees participated in the Welcome Reception (Oct. 15), Premier Networking Reception at the Shedd Aquarium (Oct. 16) – which also included a meet and greet with the penguins, and special programs for first- and second-time attendees to foster connections. Beyond the formal agenda, attendees enjoyed Chicago’s vibrant culture, iconic architecture, and culinary scene, making this year’s meeting both professionally enriching and personally memorable.
Allison Krashan is WDTL's DRI Representative and a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. She has extensive experience in litigation, including product liability, toxic torts, and commercial litigation matters. Allison focuses her practice on defending chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers, retailers, and property owners. Her extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts includes environmental and toxic tort claims, product liability claims, and commercial litigation matters.
Networking was front and center throughout the event, providing opportunities for members to engage in governance and strategic planning. Attendees participated in the Welcome Reception (Oct. 15), Premier Networking Reception at the Shedd Aquarium (Oct. 16) – which also included a meet and greet with the penguins, and special programs for first- and second-time attendees to foster connections. Beyond the formal agenda, attendees enjoyed Chicago’s vibrant culture, iconic architecture, and culinary scene, making this year’s meeting both professionally enriching and personally memorable.
Allison Krashan is WDTL's DRI Representative and a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. She has extensive experience in litigation, including product liability, toxic torts, and commercial litigation matters. Allison focuses her practice on defending chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers, retailers, and property owners. Her extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts includes environmental and toxic tort claims, product liability claims, and commercial litigation matters.