The North Dakota Defense Lawyers Association is the premier association of lawyers in North Dakota who devote a substantial portion of their professional practice to the representation of business, corporate, insurance, professional and other individual defendants in civil matters. NDDLA is dedicated to the administration of justice, the enhancement of the civil justice system and service to the civil defense bar.

The NDDLA is affiliated with the Defense Research Institute (DRI), which is the national organization of defense trial lawyers and corporate counsel. DRI is committed to enhancing the skills, effectiveness and professionalism of defense lawyers; to addressing issues germane to defense lawyers and the civil justice system; to promoting appreciation of the role of the civil defense lawyer; and to improving the civil justice system and preserving the civil jury.