Press Release

Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C., Oregon’s largest litigation firm, is proud to announce that Anne Talcott, Shareholder and firm Healthcare and Life Sciences Industry Group Leader, has been elected as Second Vice President of DRI (the Defense Research Institute). DRI is the leading international organization of civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel defending the interests of businesses across all industry groups in civil litigation. Anne will be installed as President of DRI in October 2024.

As Second Vice President, Anne will support development of a data-driven strategy to grow DRI’s membership within the civil defense bar, expand digital education offerings and remote leadership opportunities for members, increase diversity, and expand the involvement of in-house counsel in the organization.  

“Anne is an invaluable member of the Executive Committee. Her vast experience as an outstanding leader in DRI, as well as within the Oregon legal community, will continue to provide our organization with the wisdom and insight needed to take us into the future,” said DRI CEO Dean Martinez. “We are fortunate to have her at the table, and I’m excited to continue our important work together.”

Anne brings more than 25 years of complex litigation experience to the role, having represented national and regional healthcare providers and some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical, medical device and biologic manufacturers and distributors. In addition to her work in Oregon and Washington, she has been retained as regional counsel to represent clients in Alaska, Idaho, California, Nevada, and has served on multiple national trial teams.

Anne has been an active member of DRI since 1997 and has served as its Secretary-Treasurer, a National Director on the Board, and Chair of the Product Liability Committee. She has served on DRI’s Drug and Medical Device Steering Committee for more than 20 years. Anne is also a past chair of the Oregon State Bar Product Liability Section, and a former board member of the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel (OADC).

“I have spent virtually my entire career as a DRI member and owe much of my career development and the breadth my professional network to my participation in DRI,” said Anne. “I’m honored to represent Schwabe and serve on DRI’s Executive Committee as Second Vice President. DRI is at the forefront of advocating the interests of business in civil litigation.”

Anne encourages civil defense practitioners looking to advance their careers to join DRI. Members gain substantive experience, opportunities to advance their personal brand through speaking engagements, publication opportunities, leadership positions, and a network of client and referral sources. 

Internationally, DRI’s network includes more than 16,000 civil defense practitioners. The organization hosts 29 committees that develop critical dialogue on areas of practice for the civil defense community. Those who join DRI have access to innovative programming, a vibrant membership community, a robust online library of content, and vigorous advocacy on behalf of the legal profession. More details on member benefits can be found on the DRI website.

About Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt is a Pacific Northwest law firm that offers a new type of client experience based ‎on a ‎deep industry focus. We provide a wide range of legal services to our clients through ‎‎‎comprehensive, ‎proactive, and industry-focused advice to help them achieve their goals. We ‎‎focus on six industry sectors: Healthcare and Life Sciences; Technology; Transportation, Ports, and Maritime; Real ‎‎Estate and ‎Construction; Natural Resources; and Manufacturing, Distribution, and Retail. With ‎nearly 170 attorneys, Schwabe is one of the largest Pacific Northwest ‎regional law firms, ‎with ‎offices in Portland, Bend, and Salem, Oregon; Seattle and Vancouver, Washington; Mountain View, California; and Anchorage, Alaska.

About DRI

DRI is the leading organization of defense attorneys and in-house counsel. Membership in DRI provides access to resources and tools for attorneys who strive to provide high-quality, balanced and excellent service to their clients and corporations. DRI is host to 29 substantive committees whose focus is to develop ongoing and critical dialogue about areas of practice. DRI provides access to resources and tools to grow your practice – members can search a database of more than 65,000 experts, attend renowned CLE seminars, conferences and webcasts, network with 16,000+ like-minded defense practitioners and more.