The Voice of the Defense Bar has named R. Matthew Cairns, a recognized civil defense attorney, as its president.
Mr. Cairns was elected president of DRI at the 2010 annual meeting of the organization's 22,500 members held this October in San Diego. A long-time member of DRI, Mr. Cairns previously served as second vice president, northeast regional director, New Hampshire state representative, chair of the Law Practice Management Committee, and chair of the National Membership Committee of DRI.
"The demands of increased litigation and regulation in the midst of an unstable economy will require the defense bar to be more unified, strategic, and engaged in the upcoming year," said DRI Executive Director John Kouris. "The leadership of Matthew Cairns ensures that our members will have the best resources in place to manage the needs of corporate clients as they navigate a litigious business environment."
A shareholder director at Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell in Concord, NH, Mr. Cairns works with businesses, individuals, municipalities, and insurers in both civil and administrative matters. Mr. Cairns specializes in product liability, commercial, government and personal injury litigation. He has appeared before the U.S. district court, the first circuit court of appeals, and at every judicial level in the state of New Hampshire.
"I am honored to begin my term as president of DRI," Mr. Cairns said. "I will continue the important and diverse work we do on behalf of our more than 22,500 members, which is to seek balance in the justice system and enhance the position of defense attorneys and the Defense Bar."
Mr. Cairns is a graduate of Case Western Reserve School of Law, where he was a law review editor and research assistant in international law and commercial law. He earned an A.B. in history and international relations from Brown University.