Think IADC first.

• Author: Ryan, Joseph W., Jr.
• Position: International Ass'n of Defense Counsel - President's page

I want to take a moment here to talk about our new initiative, THINK IADC FIRST. The purpose of the THINK IADC FIRST initiative is to remind our members that one of the best things they can do for their clients is to recommend another IADC member whenever their client needs a lawyer in a different jurisdiction.

Some of us are not aware of the enormous amount of vetting that goes into the selection of a new IADC member. First, a current IADC member in good standing must take the initiative to become the sponsor for a proposed new member. Along with members of the Membership Committee, the sponsor seeks to identify two other IADC members who know the candidate and can vouch for his or her abilities, integrity, and strength of character. Once the sponsor and two co-sponsors have supported the nomination, the Membership Committee embarks on a detailed examination of the candidate's background and professional reputation in the areas where the candidate practices. If the Membership Committee approves the nomination, the materials are then sent forward to the Board of Directors. It is only alter the Board of Directors has affirmatively approved the candidate that an invitation may be extended for membership.

This exhaustive process goes a long way toward guaranteeing that members of the IADC are the top lawyers in their field and that they have a reputation for honor and integrity second to none. It is against this backdrop that you can always feel comfortable in recommending to your client that the client consider the services of another IADC member in areas where that would be appropriate.

In addition to doing a service for your client every time you recommend an IADC member for referral, you are also helping both the organization and yourself. In these days of tight budgets and carefully scrutinized requests for reimbursement, it is also particularly useful to be able to point to a referral of a good piece of business to justify the costs of active membership in any organization. When we THINK IADC FIRST, we are encouraging our members to continue to be active in the organization and we are...