IDC’s history can be traced back to late 1964, when a group of dedicated and enthusiastic defense attorneys presented a Defense Tactics Seminar. Since that time, the IDC has been fortunate to have an immense corps of dedicated volunteers give generously of their time and expertise to the benefit of the defense bar and the association.

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, an in-depth history of the association was written. Follow this link to view the 50 Year History of the Illinois Defense Counsel.

Our Mission

The mission of the Illinois Defense Counsel is to advance the interests of the defense bar by ensuring civil justice with integrity, civility, and professional competence.

We are the premier association of attorneys in Illinois who devote a substantial portion of their practice to the representation of business, corporate, insurance, professional and other individual defendants in civil litigation.

Core Values

IDC has adopted specific objectives designed to establish IDC as the preeminent association of defense trial attorneys and voice of the defense bar in Illinois, and to serve the business and professional interests of its members. To further this end, the IDC Board of Directors has developed and approved the following Statement of Core Values:

• IDC will promote and support a fair, unbiased and independent judiciary
• IDC will take positions on issues of significance to the defense bar, and advocate and publicize those positions
• IDC will promote and support the fair, expeditious and equitable resolution of disputes, including preservation and improvement of the jury system
• IDC will provide programs and opportunities for professional development to assist members in better serving their clients
• IDC will increase its role as the voice of the defense bar of Illinois to make IDC more relevant to its members and the general public
• IDC will support diversity within our organization, the defense bar and the legal profession
• IDC will promote and support civility and highest ethical standards within the legal profession

Diversity & Inclusivity 

The IDC Board of Directors has adopted the following statement of policy with respect to the full participation of women attorneys and lawyers of color at all levels of the organization:

"It is in the best interest of the IDC and its members to include and encourage diversity in membership, speaking positions, and overall participation in the organization. Through diversity within the IDC, we can pool our collective experiences, knowledge, and points of view to enhance our talents as individual lawyers and our effectiveness as an organization. This diversity includes both gender and race."

In an effort to advance the mission of the Illinois Defense Counsel, our Commitment to Diversity, and the diversification and inclusivity of the association, the IDC has a Diversity & Inclusivity Committee. If you are interested in getting involved with this committee, please follow this link to apply.

Statement of Independence

The IDC is an independent organization created to promote those goals stated in our Mission Statement. From time to time, the IDC has become a member of other organizations to promote issues of mutual interest. Membership in, or partnering with, other organizations shall not be interpreted as an endorsement by the IDC of the positions or philosophy of any other organization.