After a period of dormancy, the DRI International Law Committee is on its way back to vibrancy, and one of the most meaningful paths we are taking involves our relationship with the newly formed DRI Europe Section.
From the very earliest phases, the International Law Committee was involved in the formation of DRI Europe. And although they function as distinct entities, the DRI International Law Committee and DRI Europe will continue to partner with each other to develop strategies for the routine and timely sharing of information regarding trends and legal developments of common interest. Personally, I have enjoyed the privilege of working with DRI senior management and the DRI Europe Steering Committee to assist in the formation of DRI Europe. The vision is for the International Law Committee to complement DRI Europe so that DRI Europe members can more fully reap the benefits of being a member of DRI.
My term as chair of the International Law Committee runs through the October 2008 DRI Annual Meeting. I am very ably assisted by Vice Chair Robert Torralbo of the Montréal, Quebec, office of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. Other chairs include Brian Inamine of the Los Angeles office of Wright Robinson Osthimer & Tatum, who is the publications chair; Frank Ciano of the White Plains, New York, office of Goldberg Segalla, who is the programs chair and Chris Campbell of the Atlanta office of DLA Piper, who is the membership chair. The DRI Europe Liaison to the International Law Committee is John Evans of the London office of Howrey.
The mission of the DRI International Law Committee is to provide a forum for all DRI members in the United States who have international practices or interests to meet, network and share information. The ever-shrinking world, in terms of seamless borders and cross-border commerce, combined with DRI’s purpose as the “Voice of the Defense Bar” and DRI Europe’s motto of “Defending Business” provides a good synergy through which the International Law Committee may thrive.
The 2008 goals of the DRI International Law Committee are fairly modest. However, they will be more effectively met with the active involvement of DRI Europe Members. From a membership standpoint, we are hoping to enjoy steady growth to reach a meaningful critical mass, so that the committee initiatives can be more easily articulated, designed and implemented.
From a programming standpoint, we are planning a webinar presentation on “Doing Business in the Pacific Rim,” hopefully by this June. Although not European in focus and orientation, we hope that it will be of interest to DRI Europe members, and DRI Europe members will be encouraged to participate. Additionally, we are planning a meaningful and relevant substantive program at the 2008 DRI Annual Meeting. In this regard, the current plan is to have DRI Europe members provide an update on the hot legal issues in Europe and have a DRI member based in Asia provide a similar update.
The International Law Committee plans to reinvigorate Across Frontiers, the International Law Committee newsletter. I would like to encourage DRI Europe members to submit articles for publication. Additionally, in order to keep DRI members apprised of legal developments within the U.S., the International Law Committee plans to publish substantive articles in upcoming issues of DRI Europe eNews.
Longer-term goals include assigning International Law Committee liaisons to the various DRI Committees that have an international aspect. This could work as a conduit for providing speakers on international legal issues for other DRI substantive committee programming. Also, we would eventually like to assign representatives of the International Law Committee for each jurisdiction in which DRI members practice.
Moving forward, we would like to encourage DRI Europe members to become involved in the International Law Committee. In addition to making presentations and submitting articles, we specifically want DRI Europe members to attend the 2008 DRI Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Not only is New Orleans one of the United States’ most unique cities, it is enjoying a wonderful renaissance in the post-Katrina era. As your fellow DRI Europe member Dieter Hofman can attest from his experience in attending the 2007 DRI Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., there is no better way to appreciate all DRI has to offer than attending the Annual Meeting. We are hoping to hold a social reception after the International Law Committee meeting for DRI Europe that will introduce the DRI Europe members attending the Annual Meeting to other members of DRI.
In conclusion, I am truly enjoying my position of chair of the DRI International Law Committee and in particular my participation in the formation of DRI Europe. DRI is a wonderful substantive and networking organization for those of us who defend corporations in our legal practices. The development of DRI Europe and the invigoration of the International Law Committee go hand-in-hand. I look forward to working with you to help both groups develop and thrive.
Bob Allen
Meckler Bulger & Tilson
Chair, DRI International Law Committee
