The DRI Law Firm Leaders and Managing Partners Conference is an annual event organized by the Defense Research Institute (DRI), a leading organization for civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel. Scheduled for September 9–10, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, this conference is tailored for managing partners and law firm leaders seeking to enhance their leadership skills and firm management strategies.
The conference will cover a range of pertinent topics, including financial strategy, talent development, and the integration of artificial intelligence in legal practice. Attendees can expect sessions that address the evolving landscape of legal operations, focusing on practical approaches to managing modern law firms and navigating emerging challenges in the industry.
In addition to informative sessions, the event will provide ample networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers and industry experts. The conference will also feature an expo hall showcasing the latest legal technologies and services, offering insights into tools that can streamline firm operations and improve client service.
This conference is ideal for managing partners, firm administrators, and other law firm leaders who are looking to stay informed about industry trends, develop effective management strategies, and strengthen their professional networks. By attending, participants will gain valuable knowledge and resources to lead their firms more effectively in a rapidly changing legal environment.
Speakers(13)
Andrew Anderson
OraClaim
Andrew Anderson is affiliated with OraClaim in San Francisco, CA. He co-presented on strategies for winning in an AI-driven world at the 2025 conference.
Bill Josten
Strategic Content Manager at Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute
Bill Josten is the Strategic Content Manager for the Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute. His work focuses on issues pertinent to high-level decision-makers in the legal market, including law firm managing partners and C-Level officers, as well as corporate general counsel.
Chris Turney
Turney LG-Midwest Litigators
Chris Turney is with Turney LG-Midwest Litigators in Kansas City, MO. He co-presented on combatting social inflation at the 2025 conference.
David MacMain
MacMain Law
David MacMain is associated with MacMain Law in West Chester, PA. He co-moderated a session on law firm management at the 2025 conference.
Mariel Taylor
Kamykowski & Taylor PC
Mariel Taylor is affiliated with Kamykowski & Taylor PC in St. Louis, MO. She co-presented on combatting social inflation at the 2025 conference.
Mark Tepper
OraClaim
Mark Tepper is with OraClaim in San Francisco, CA. He co-presented on strategies for winning in an AI-driven world at the 2025 conference.
Marta-Ann Schnabel
Managing Director at O'Bryon & Schnabel PLC
Marta-Ann Schnabel is the Managing Director at O'Bryon & Schnabel PLC in New Orleans, LA. She has been actively involved in DRI's Law Firm Leaders and Managing Partners Conference, including presenting on succession planning and social inflation.
Mohammed Bakry
Marshall Dennehey
Mohammed Bakry is affiliated with Marshall Dennehey in Philadelphia, PA. He co-led a session on billing practices for associates at the 2025 conference.
Rakhi D. McNeill
Waldon Adelman Castilla McNamara & Prout
Rakhi D. McNeill is with Waldon Adelman Castilla McNamara & Prout in Atlanta, GA. She co-moderated a session on law firm management at the 2025 conference.
Stacy L. Douglas
Everett Dorey LLP
Stacy Douglas is with Everett Dorey LLP in Los Angeles, CA. She co-led a session on billing practices for associates at the 2025 conference.
Stacy L. Moon
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP
Stacy L. Moon is with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP in Birmingham, AL. She co-presented on marketing strategies at the 2025 conference.
Susan Gunter
Dutton Brock LLP
Susan Gunter is affiliated with Dutton Brock LLP in Toronto, ON. She co-presented on succession planning at the 2025 Law Firm Leaders and Managing Partners Conference.
Thomas J. Hurney, Jr.
Jackson Kelly PLLC
Thomas J. Hurney, Jr. is associated with Jackson Kelly PLLC in Charleston, WV. He was a co-presenter on succession planning at the 2025 conference.
Event Details
- Date
- September 9-10, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
- Chicago, Illinois
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Managing partners, firm administrators, law firm leaders
- CLE Credits
- Up to 5.00 CLE hours
- Attendees
- Varies
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