Marc Williams
HUNTINGTON – A Huntington attorney has been named Second Vice President of the nation’s largest organization of defense trial lawyers, and he will become president of the group in 2008.
Marc E. Williams, a partner with Huddleston Bolen LLC, was named to the post of DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar at the group’s recent annual meeting in Chicago. The announcement was made Nov. 30.
Williams, who is known for his work with class actions and mass torts, will serve a one-year term as Second Vice President before becoming the group’s president.
Williams has had primary responsibility in more than 50 jury trials in his career in both state and federal courts. He is recognized for his legal work and public speaking on the subjects of toxic torts, railroad litigation, professional liability, product liability, premises liability, insurance, and complex commercial litigation matters. He also served as chair of the 2005 DRI annual meeting.
“The defense bar elected Marc as a leader because of his impressive client work and venerated reputation for integrity and professionalism,” John R. Kouris, executive director of DRI, said. “No doubt, he will effortlessly strike the critical balance between being a visionary for the industry and a guardian of the principles it holds dear.”
Williams has been a pro bono volunteer for the West Virginia Legal Services Plan where he has instructed indigent and at-risk women on how to obtain divorce and domestic violence protection. He is a graduate of Marshall University and the West Virginia University College of Law.
“The role of the defense attorney is changing as we must not only be successful trial attorneys but prudent business counselors as well,” Williams said. “I’m proud to help lead DRI as the organization assists defense attorneys across the country achieve professional excellence.”
Huddleston Bolen has provided legal services to business, industry and public entities in West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southeastern Ohio for more than 130 years. The firm maintains offices in Huntington, Charleston and Ashland.
DRI is the national organization of more than 22,000 defense trial lawyers and corporate counsel. DRI provides numerous educational and informational resources to members and offers many opportunities for liaison among defense trial lawyers, corporate America and state and local defense organizations.