The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) is an elite international organization of approximately 2,500 peer-reviewed in-house counsel, insurance executives, and outside counsel representing business entities around the world. The IADC, which celebrated its centennial in 2020, has a long history as a champion of the legal interests of the business community and a leader in civil justice reform. For corporate counsel and insurance executives, the IADC provides resources and a network of peers to address and support their particular professional needs. For private practitioners, membership in the IADC provides a singular opportunity to meet with potential clients, distinguished colleagues, and influential referral sources in a unique collegial environment.
WHAT IS THE IADC?
“For me, the practice of law is becoming increasingly international in its focus...What the IADC does for me is to put me in touch with true experts in other parts of the world - people who are the top practitioners in their particular jurisdictions. And as a result, I have developed networks with these great lawyers. I’ve developed wonderful friendships with these lawyers. I think that provides me with benefits above and beyond any other organization that I’ve been involved in. The IADC is a very, very special organization, and I don’t know of any other lawyer association that comes even close to the sort of things the IADC can provide.” - Colin Loveday, Clayton Utz, Sydney NSW, Australia
Play the video to hear about the network Colin has created within the IADC.
The IADC’s membership is comprised of leading members of the trial bar and in-house counsel and insurance executives from large, mid-size, and small companies. IADC members hail from small firms, litigation boutiques, regional powerhouses, and national and international giants from 49 countries and territories on six continents. Most international centers of banking, industry, and commerce have resident members, including London, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Bermuda. Distinguished insurance executives and legal counselors to business join the IADC to promote the interests of their clients, their employers, and the profession. For those who are active in the IADC, membership is an outstanding opportunity to network with prominent in-house counsel, preeminent defense lawyers, and insurance executives from around the world.
A DISTINGUISHED INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Many corporations have been active in the IADC which include: ▪ AON Corporation ▪ Bayer Corporation ▪ Federal Express ▪ Swiss Re ▪ Exxon Mobil Corporation ▪ St. Jude Medical ▪ Georgia-Pacific, LLC ▪ Johnson & Johnson ▪ Michelin North America, Inc. ▪ Microsoft Corporation ▪ Pfizer ▪ Shell Oil Company ▪ Liberty Mutual Group ▪ Ingersoll Rand ▪ Yamaha Motor Corporation ▪ Minnesota Lawyers Mutual
“A substantial benefit of being a member of the IADC is the ability to combine business development, education, and relationship building. In today’s busy world, it is wonderful that the IADC offers its members the opportunity to maximize their time in one venue. The meetings have the highest caliber CLE offerings, incredible networking opportunities, and the relationships you build transcend the generations.” - Molly H. Craig, Hood Law Firm, LLC, Charleston, South Carolina USA
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
For more of Molly's thoughts on the IADC, play the video above.
IADC GLOBAL CONNECTION
Membership in the IADC adds value to your life in a way that sets it apart from any other organization. One of the primary benefits of membership in the Association is the organization’s global connection and the union of education, business development, and relationships. The IADC strives to promote professional development by providing superior training and continuing education opportunities while creating platforms for members to develop and foster valuable relationships with the finest outside counsel, corporate counsel, and insurance executives worldwide. The Association’s small size, superior legal events, and carefully crafted programs and activities uniquely cultivate business success for members and enrich both their personal and professional lives.
Corporate Counsel College and International Corporate Counsel College. These two-day conferences showcase highly respected panelists and speakers who address the challenges faced by in-house counsel, insurance executives, and their advisors. The International Corporate Counsel College is held in Europe and focuses on the latest European legal issues. Professional Liability Roundtable. This afternoon program offers insight into key professional liability issues that affect lawyers and insurance executives. We now also offer a track where programming focuses on medical liability issues. Trial Academy. This one-week, intensive trial advocacy training program provides realistic training for trial lawyers representing corporations and insurers. This program blends small group faculty instruction and demonstration with individual student participation. Annual and Midyear Meetings. The two largest IADC meetings combine timely CLE, committee business meetings and internal programs, and networking and social opportunities.
MEETINGS
“There are so many different opportunities in the organization to not only network but also mature and develop professionally. In terms of the meetings, the CLE’s are absolutely fantastic...There [are] Webinars available online that you can participate in. All kinds of opportunities to join Substantive [Law] Committees and become involved - it just helps you develop professionally. It has made me a much better lawyer in addition to the great networking and referral opportunities.” - Ivan M. Rodriguez Phelps Dunbar LLP Houston, Texas USA
Play the video above to hear Ivan highlight what educational opportunities are available within the IADC.
EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The IADC provides educational opportunities that develop and enhance skills while providing an environment for camaraderie and business development.
ONLINE EDUCATION
NETWORKING
Regional Meetings. The IADC organizes Regional Meetings all over the world to provide members and guests the chance to convene for short educational programs and connect with one another a bit closer to home. These popular meetings are free of charge, open to guests, and provide an opportunity to discuss relevant issues with local members of the Association.
Webinars. IADC Webinars provide members and their colleagues and clients with complimentary one-hour educational opportunities presented by IADC members who are leading experts in the subject matter. The IADC presents 15+ Webinars yearly, and they constitute a highly efficient and valuable benefit. Webinar presentations are recorded and shared on the IADC website for members to view them later.
Hear Bruce talk about how his IADC membership has helped him develop his practice by playing the video above.
RESOURCES
The IADC provides its membership with a number of beneficial resources and opportunities to engage in and utilize in order to further develop a worthwhile return on their investment in the Association.
AMICUS CURIAE PROGRAM
“The IADC allows me, and has allowed me for 25 years, to speak at meetings, to publish, and to keep a national profile so that I remain visible to the clientele...In that way, it has been a key aspect of how I’ve developed my practice in 25 years.” - Bruce R. Parker Venable LLP Baltimore, Maryland USA
The heart of the Association is its more than three dozen Committees through which members network, expand and build skills, and further the objectives of the defense bar and business community. Substantive Law Committees are open to all members and are excellent venues in which to connect with others with similar interests and expertise. Committees meet at the Annual and Midyear Meetings, develop Webinars, publish newsletters and Defense Counsel Journal articles, share ideas and resources through conference calls and online Communities, and work on special projects.
PARTICIPATION THROUGH IADC COMMITTEES
The IADC’s Amicus Curiae program improves the civil justice system through appellate advocacy. The IADC regularly files briefs in pending cases throughout the United States to support a wide variety of defense issues of broad application.
SCHOLARLY OPPORTUNITIES
ONLINE MEMBER COMMUNITIES
Our online discussion groups (IADC Communities) are designed to facilitate interactive conversations between IADC colleagues who have similar interests. They provide a forum to share ideas and questions related to specific specialties, provide members a way to discover best practices and news in a quick and easy manner, as well as submit expert witness inquiries. IADC Communities enhance communication among members and allow you to benefit from the experience, knowledge, and wisdom of your peers.
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES
The IADC promotes academic dialogue through the publication of its quarterly Defense Counsel Journal. Published continuously since 1934, the Journal is an internationally respected publication that focuses on topical and scholarly legal issues involving substantive law, procedures, and trial techniques. The IADC also offers all members the opportunity to contribute articles to Substantive Law Committee monthly newsletters which provide up-to-date information on important legal developments.
Various IADC Substantive Law Committees have created quick reference guides that provide brief overviews of rules and regulations by state or country that are great resources and reference tools for you and your clients.
“This is probably one of the best organizations to belong to because you don’t have to leave your family at home here with the IADC. I think when you speak to your spouse or significant other about joining a professional organization, you can inform them that the IADC is a family. It really integrates children and spouses and significant others in the organization, in the activities, and it really is an opportunity to share your professional life with your family.” - Laura De Santos Gordon & Rees, LLP Houston, Texas USA
Play Laura's video to hear how personal relationships and family are incorporated in the IADC.
BEYOND THE PROFESSION
RELATIONSHIPS
The IADC has an annual retention rate of approximately 93 percent of its membership. This is a testament to many factors. The IADC does offer excellent benefits and a special environment in which lawyers of a certain level of experience can interact professionally. But what the IADC offers goes beyond the practice of law. IADC members are not just colleagues but friends, and their families get to know each other at meetings that often result in close relationships that cross continents. The IADC is not just a network of professionals but a family. It is that distinct spirit of friendship and community that make the IADC special.
Think IADC First is a program designed to promote ways members can make and receive referrals when the opportunity arises to refer business, including through the IADC website and many networking activities. With the talent and expertise of our members, you can be confident that your client will be well represented when referred to an IADC member.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
THE IADC INVESTMENT
Membership with the IADC not only will positively impact your business, but will extend to all other areas of your life. IADC membership is by invitation-only and members are thoroughly vetted. For more information on the IADC: Visit www.iadclaw.org Email membership@iadclaw.org
International Association of Defense Counsel 303 West Madison, Suite 925 Chicago, IL 60606 USA www.iadclaw.org Phone: 1.312.368.1494 info@iadclaw.org