Schuyler Roche, P.C.

Charles Cole has scaled yet another height at the Defense Research Institute (DRI), which just elected him to a three-year term on its National Board of Directors. He began his newest role within this organization of more than 22,000 trial attorneys and corporate counsel in October 2006. As a board member he will also serve as director for the North Central Region, which comprises Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota.

Recently DRI featured Chuck in the “Leader Spotlight” column of the November 1st issue of The Voice, the news source for members of this prestigious organization. Each month DRI profiles a litigation attorney who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. Chuck proved a fitting choice considering the 20 years he has devoted to the advancement of his profession through continuing education for himself and his peers.

No stranger to DRI, Chuck first held elective office beginning in 2002, as Illinois State Representative. He assumed this three-year term following ten years of leadership in the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC). In 2004, DRI’s leadership appointed Chuck to its Permanent Steering Committee, which oversees DRI’s annual meeting, where, each year, more than 1,000 defense professionals exchange ideas and chart the future of the organization. Also in 2004, DRI appointed Chuck to its Strategic Planning Committee, on which he still serves.

Of the recent election, Chuck says, “I am humbled. I thank my esteemed colleagues for the faith they have placed in me, and I vow to work tirelessly on their behalf.” On the importance of DRI, Chuck observes, “DRI has done much for me throughout my career. I feel compelled to repay it in kind. Education is its crux—the reason I remain so committed. Whether we are educating legislators, the judiciary or ourselves, we stand poised to influence public policy in positive and meaningful ways.”

In his new role at DRI and as a veteran participant in the civil justice system, Chuck considers expanding globalization the key challenge ahead. “As litigation transcends borders and cultures, our membership is increasingly attentive to the impact of globalization. I hope to act as a facilitator in this critical arena.”

For background on Chuck’s progression through the ranks of DRI and IDC, see:

Defense Research Institute Names Cole to Two Posts

Past IDC President Charles Cole Elected to National Leadership