WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

HUNTINGTON -- Marc Williams, managing partner in Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough's West Virginia office, has been selected to lead a new national public policy initiative of DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar.

The organization has launched The DRI Center for Law and Public Policy, which will, through scholarship, legal expertise, and advocacy, provide a meaningful voice for the defense bar in the national discussion of substantive law, constitutional issues, and the integrity of the judicial system. Its voice will be heard through published research materials, amicus briefs, practical tools and resources, and creative public education initiatives.

The center's mission will be to educate policy makers and the public on judicial issues and challenges important to the defense bar and, when internal DRI consensus exists, to act as an advocate for public policy change. Its overarching goal is to maintain the integrity and independence of the American judiciary.

“We are grateful to have Marc’s leadership in launching the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy,” said John R. Kouris, executive director of DRI. “His knowledge of the organization, as well as his previous experience as a national leader in civil justice reform, will be instrumental in the success of the Center.” DRI is the 22,000 member international organization of lawyers and corporate counsel who defend the interests of corporations and individuals in civil litigation. It is headquartered in Chicago.

Williams was president of DRI from 2008-2009. His law practice focuses on trials and appeals of class actions and other mass torts, as well as complex commercial litigation, product liability, toxic torts, consumer fraud, drug and medical device litigation, intellectual property and trade secrets, and environmental claims.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins has more than 430 attorneys and government relations professionals with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Nashville, Tallahassee, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and throughout the Carolinas. For more information visit www.nelsonmullins.com.