Celebrating the IADC's 85th anniversary.

• Author: Hodges, George S.
• Position: International Association of Defense Counsel - President's Page

Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States. Red Sox and Cubs fans were celebrating their team's most recent World Series triumphs. The Model T was the transportation of choice for the few who could afford such opulence. It was 1920 and in New York City a group of lawyers gathered and formed the General Counsels Association of the United States. The stated purpose: fostering good will and cooperation among general counsel who shared common interests and challenges.

Over the years, the general principle remained the same despite significant growth and improvement in the association. In 1928, outside counsel were invited to join and the organization changed its name to the International Association of Insurance Counsel--IAIC. Through the next several decades, membership grew rapidly, invitations being extended only following a thorough peer review process, geographical boundaries were expanded and a substantive law committee structure developed. In 1960, it created the Defense Research Institute (DRI), as an educational arm and means of support for its membership and the defense bar in general.

As the world of "self-insurance" became more defined and many members concentrated on representation of corporations, the association changed its name, effective in 1987, to the International Association of Defense Counsel--IADC. "Goodwill and cooperation" among the IADC membership and the defense bar has continued as a primary purpose and goal of the IADC over the years that have passed since that first meeting.

As we begin the celebration of our 85th anniversary as the oldest and most prestigious international association of attorneys representing corporations and insureds, we are pleased to report that the IADC continues to grow in member benefits and opportunities, fiscal soundness and in its support of the defense of civil litigation.

Membership

Several years ago, the IADC Executive Committee adopted a "by invitation only" nominating process for prospective members. The thorough and complete review of each prospective nominee assures that only the "best and the brightest" candidates, meeting all IADC membership requirements, will be approved as IADC members. The end result: our membership base has grown stronger, more diverse and more reflective of the defense community.

As of September 10, 2004, there were 2,366 members, including more than 170 who have been admitted during the current fiscal year. The annual rate of attrition remains at...