Insights

Tom Hurney and co-authors to receive DRI award for outstanding publication

August 26, 2023

Tom Hurney will receive the G. Duffield Smith Outstanding Publication Award from DRI as a co-author of “Nonlawyer Investment in the Legal Economy,” published by DRI’s Center for Law and Public Policy in 2022.   Fellow recipients are co-authors Susan E. Gunter, Dutton Brock LLP, Toronto, Ontario, and Marta-Ann Schnabel, O'Bryon & Schnabel PLC, New Orleans, La.  The authors will receive the award at DRI’s 2023 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, on October 27, 2023.

The Duffield Smith Award recognizes publications “of current relevancy to the practice interests of DRI members, containing fresh and imaginative ideas, be well-researched, and presented in a lively writing style.”  Factors considered in the selection process include “relevancy of subject matter to the interests of DRI members; current importance of the topic; fresh, imaginative ideas from the author; depth and quality of research; organization of material; writing ability; interesting writing style; and feedback from the readership.” 

Since publishing the white paper, Tom, Susan and Marta-Ann have given multiple presentations on the topic at meetings and in webinars.  All are longtime and active DRI members. 

With over 40 years’ experience, Tom Hurney has a wide-ranging trial practice in state and federal courts in West Virginia and elsewhere.  Tom has been actively involved in the defense bar for his entire career.  He served on DRI’s Board of Directors and is currently a member of its Law Institute.  He is past President of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA), and a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel and taught at its 2014 Trial Academy.  He is a past President of the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia.  In recognition of his trial skills and collegiality, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.  Tom is Chair of Jackson Kelly’s General Litigation Practice Group and practices out of the Charleston office.