Principal John Guttmann (Washington, DC) has long supported the Defense Research Institute (DRI) and currently chairs the Policy Committee of its Center For Law and Policy (The Center). Founded in 2012, The Center—through scholarship, legal expertise, and advocacy—provides the most effective voice for the defense bar in the discussion of substantive law, judicial process, constitutional issues, and the integrity of the civil justice system at both the national and state levels. John also serves on the Center’s Management Council, which oversees the entire Center.

Prior to these current roles, John was a member of DRI’s Board of Directors as a National Director and Chair of the Toxic Tort & Environmental Law Committee (TTEL). DRI just appointed Principal Roy Prather (Baltimore) as Vice Chair of the TTEL Committee where he currently serves as Program Chair. John remains on the TTEL Steering Committee.

At Beveridge & Diamond, John represents companies in complex, high-stakes toxic tort, product liability, and environmental litigation.

John said, “It was a privilege to serve as a National Director of DRI and before that as Chair of the Toxic Tort & Environmental Law Committee. I am excited to be part of the Management Council of the Center and to chair its Policy Committee. I look forward to continuing to advance the interests of the defense bar and our clients.”

B&D and DRI and its members have collaborated for many years. Principals Collin Gannon (Baltimore) and Jimmy Slaughter (Washington, DC) are also part of the Toxic Tort & Environmental Law Committee. B&D is proud to help lead the industry and looks forward to many more years of working together.