PRESIDENT
Robert J. Quigley, Jr.

PRESIDENT-ELECT
Brooks R. Magratten

VICE-PRESIDENT
Howard A. Merten

SECRETARY
Rebecca McSweeney

TREASURER
Amy Beretta

IMMEDIATE PAST
PRESIDENT

Michael J. Reed, Jr.

DRI STATE
REPRESENTATIVE

Kelly Michels Sweeney

DIRECTORS
Joel K. Gerstenblatt
Stephen B. Lang
Faith A. LaSalle
James V. Murray
Holly R. Rao
Patricia K. Rocha
Rajaram Suryanarayan
William F. White

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael B. Isaacs



Questions, comments?
Contact us at


Defense Counsel of Rhode Island

Defense Counsel of Rhode Island is the state association of defense lawyers who handle civil cases. Our members include lawyers in private practice as well as corporate and insurance company counsel.

Representing and Assisting the Defense Bar

DCRI is active in the Rhode Island State Legislature representing the interests of defense attorneys and their clients. Information on bills of interest is emailed to the membership on a regular basis when the General Assembly is in session. DCRI also advocates on behalf of the defense bar before the Rhode Island Judiciary and legal associations.

Continuing legal education courses sponsored by DCRI keep members up to date on topics of importance. Our brief and memorandum bank provides practical information to defense lawyers. Members are encouraged to contribute documents and use this service.

The Annual Meeting and other functions during the year provide an opportunity to meet with colleagues - to discuss issues of concern and to socialize.

We continue to explore other ways in which we can provide services and benefits to our members and we welcome your input.

Our Purpose - Article II of the Bylaws

The purposes for which this Association is organized shall be to promote improvements in the administration of justice and enhance the service of the legal profession to the public; to support and work for the improvement of the adversary system of jurisprudence in the operation of the courts; to encourage the prompt, fair and just disposition of tort litigation; to enhance the knowledge and improve the skills of defense lawyers; to advance the equitable and expeditious handling of civil disputes; to work for the elimination of court congestion and delays in civil litigation; and to carry on other related and similar activities in the public interest.

Joining DCRI

To join DCRI, click on one of the membership application links below. Fill in and print out the application, then mail it to the address on the form. For more information on the association, please see the DCRI Bylaws.
Membership Application - New Members
Membership Renewal Form