Professional Liability Defense Federation includes as members attorneys, insurance claims professionals, and risk managers involved in the defense of malpractice, errors and omissions, breach of fiduciary duty, and other professional liability claims. Professional liability insurance coverage counsel, and specialists involved in the defense of professional licensees in board discipline proceedings, also seek membership in PLDF. To qualify for membership applicants must acknowledge that with respect to professional liability work, most of their time is devoted to the defense of claims, or the representation of insurers in declaratory judgment actions.

Members of PLDF enjoy the company of a nationwide group of similar professionals involved in a niche or "boutique" association. This is not a large, one-size-fits-all behemoth. The PLDF annual meeting, seminar, social hour and member/guest dinner is a highlight event in the members' work-life calendar.  

All communications involving PLDF members are designed to provide a forum for member viewpoint expression on substantive law developments and to share information related to the strategic defense of professional liability claims. PLDF members are forbidden from using their membership as a means for competitors to reach any understanding which tends to restrict business competition or to limit the ability of members to use independent professional judgment regarding matters affecting competition.