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Anne Talcott first learned about the Defense Research Institute as a newbie attorney at Portland-based Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt. It was 1996, her first year in practice, and she wanted to go to the DRI program because it was being held in ever-sunny Orlando.

鈥淢y boss, who is now one of my partners and a good friend, approved my request to go with the caveat that I had to get involved with DRI if he sent me to this program,鈥� Talcott said. 鈥淗e and I have laughed a number of times over the years that I took his instructions so literally.鈥�

DRI is the largest international organization of lawyers who represent businesses in litigation. Now in her 16th year as a DRI member, Talcott recently received the organization鈥檚 Richard H. Krochock Award for her leadership, support and services as a mentor to the DRI鈥檚 Young Lawyers Committee. The award also recognizes members who work to enhance the public image of civil defense trial lawyers.

Talcott鈥檚 involvement with DRI began with the Young Lawyers Committee and led to a year-long term as its chair in 2006. She served on DRI鈥檚 Drug and Medical Device and Product Liability committees, spoke during the institute鈥檚 annual Drug and Medical Device Seminar last May in Chicago, and is editor of the committee’s newsletter, Rx for the Defense.

As chair of DRI鈥檚 2011 annual meeting in Washington, D.C., Talcott became the youngest attorney and only the second woman to head the event. She admits to being 鈥渟tarstruck鈥� when she met the event鈥檚 guest speakers, President Bill Clinton and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Talcott, who has been asked to serve as chairwoman of the 2013 DRI Product Liability Conference, said that while her involvement takes a chunk of time and energy, she reaps the benefits both professionally and personally.

鈥淢y legal practice is focused on defending businesses in complex and product liability litigation, so many of DRI’s members do what I do. Through DRI I have met clients and referral sources from around the country, and my involvement has been instrumental to my career success,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t has also enriched my life since many of my DRI acquaintances have become friends over the years.鈥�