National civil defense bar leader begins new term guiding the organization’s more than 12,000 attorneys and in-house counsel
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jill Cranston Rice, a partner, member of the Firm’s board of directors, and the Morgantown, W. Va. office managing partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, has been sworn in as president of DRI, the largest international membership organization of civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel. Jill assumed the role during the organization’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., where legal leaders from across the country gathered to discuss emerging legal issues, trial trends and the future of the profession.
Founded in 1960, DRI serves more than 12,000 members and is a leading voice for the civil defense bar, providing legal education, professional development, networking and advocacy on issues affecting the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation and the civil justice system.
As president, Jill will help lead the organization’s efforts to advance the interests of defense practitioners and in-house counsel, service to the legal system, the profession and clients, and support the development of future legal leaders.
The installation took place during DRI’s annual meeting, which featured nationally recognized speakers and educational programming focused on litigation, business trends and leadership. During the annual meeting, Jill also conducted a featured on-stage interview with former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, leading a wide-ranging discussion on the rule of law, public policy and issues shaping the legal profession.
“Jill’s election as DRI president is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the respect she has earned throughout the legal profession,” said Joshua Lorentz, managing partner of Dinsmore. “Her commitment to excellence, mentorship and service has made a lasting impact on clients, colleagues and the broader legal community. We are proud to see her represent Dinsmore in this important national leadership role.”
Jill is an accomplished trial lawyer and leader who has spent years contributing to DRI’s mission through various committee and leadership positions. She has often credited the organization with helping shape her career through mentorship, professional development and lasting relationships.
In a recent Law360 interview, Jill emphasized the importance of investing in future generations of attorneys.
“We are an apprenticeship profession,” Jill said. “We can read textbooks, we can read case law, we can read the rule of law, but it is definitely a profession that requires doing and learning from doing.”
Jill’s presidency comes at a time when DRI continues to expand its role as a premier resource for defense attorneys, providing educational programming, thought leadership and advocacy aimed at strengthening confidence in a fair and balanced civil justice system.