Primerus Defense Institute

The Primerus Defense Institute (PDI) is a collaborative endeavor engaging Primerus defense attorneys and corporate defense representatives for the purpose of lowering business litigation costs and reducing exposure to liability. Attorneys and clients work together in a highly cooperative, low-pressure environment that leads to relationships built on trust. Participating corporate clients are leaders in their respective industries, and participating defense attorneys, like all Primerus attorneys, meet the highest of quality standards.

The PDI is a valuable resource for corporations seeking outside counsel in distant jurisdictions. That’s because the PDI alliance is a global network of over 600 of the finest independent defense lawyers with expertise in nearly every aspect of corporate defense litigation. The PDI makes it easy to find highly skilled, seasoned litigation counsel around the world. The PDI provides continuing legal education in the areas of liability avoidance and litigation management. Corporate defense counsel and their clients participate in an annual Convocation to explore, discuss and share best practices in reducing risk, handling claims and defending lawsuits.

PDI Leadership

Chair:

Dale O. Thornsjo

O’Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A.
7401 Metro Boulevard
Suite 600
Minneapolis, MN 55439-3034

Phone: 952.831.6544
E-Mail: dothornsjo@olwklaw.com

Vice Chair:

Richard M. Stoudemire

Saalfield Shad, P.A.
245 Riverside Avenue
Suite 400
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Phone: 904.355.4401
E-Mail: richard.stoudemire@saalfieldlaw.com

CLE Chair:

James H. Whalen

Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis Ltd.
230 West Monroe Street
Suite 2260
Chicago, IL 60606-4703

Phone: 312.448.6230
E-Mail: jhw@lipelyons.com

Committee Member:

Mary M. Strauss

Thornton, Biechlin, Reynolds & Guerra, L.C.
100 NE Loop 410
Suite 500
San Antonio, TX 78216

Phone: 210.342.5555
E-Mail: mstrauss@thorntonfirm.com

Committee Member:

Kevin M. Norchi

Norchi Forbes, LLC
Commerce Park IV
23240 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 210
Cleveland, OH 44122

Phone: 216.514.9500
E-Mail: kmn@norchilaw.com

Chair Emeritus:

Duncan Y. Manley, Esq.

Christian & Small LLP
505 North 20th Street, Suite 1800
Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone: 205.545.7456
E-Mail: dymanley@csattorneys.com

Immediate Past Chair:

Frank J. Szilagyi

Szilagyi & Daly
118 Oak Street
Hartford, CT 06106

Phone: 860.967.0038
E-Mail: fszilagyi@sdctlawfirm.com

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