Words Matter. But Action Moves the World.
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Colleagues,
The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association has always been at its best when we remember who we are: a bipartisan community of advocates, united by a shared belief in the rule of law and the right of every Virginian to have access to justice.
Recent events, and the passionate responses they have stirred, remind us just how deeply our members care about protecting the independence of the judiciary and preserving the integrity of our justice system. Many of you have reached out to me directly, urging VTLA to speak loudly and forcefully in defense of these principles. I hear you. We all hear you.
Let me be clear: VTLA stands, without hesitation, for the rule of law. That is not new. It is not reactionary. It is who we are. The banner now displayed on our website - “VTLA: A Community That Believes Deeply in the Rule of Law” - is a public reaffirmation of a principle that runs through everything we do.
But words, while powerful, are not enough.
History teaches us that meaningful change has never been accomplished by words alone. The great movements that have shaped this country - the civil rights movement, the fight for women’s equality, the struggle for workers’ rights -were all built on the foundation of action. Statements may inspire, but time and time again what history teaches us is action moves the world.
That is why VTLA has provided resources, tools, and opportunities for our members to get involved. We want to help you become part of the change you want to see. We do not just believe in the rule of law - we defend it, in the legislature, in our courtrooms, and in our communities.
And we must never lose sight of this truth: in Virginia, every one of our legislative successes - whether safeguarding joint and several liability, protecting the collateral source rule, improving laws that affect families, advancing improvements to auto insurance coverage, or promoting a fair criminal justice system - has depended on allies from both sides of the aisle. That is not weakness. That is not capitulation. That is wisdom. It is the reason Virginia remains a state where access to justice is still worth fighting for.
We will not risk those relationships lightly. Not when the stakes for our clients are so high. Not when access to justice in Virginia depends on keeping both sides of the aisle at the table.
And I would be remiss if I did not say this plainly: I am proud to serve as the first person of color to lead this extraordinary organization. My presidency is not an accident. It is the product of a community that cares deeply about inclusion, that understands the value of diverse voices, and that is willing to live out its stated commitments. I am here - standing in this role - because of the values VTLA has long embraced, not just in word, but in deed.
That, too, is who we are.
So let us speak thoughtfully. Let us act purposefully. And above all, let us stay engaged.
Defending the rule of law is not just a moment. It is a mission. And it belongs to all of us.
Thank you for the passion you bring to this work. Thank you for the respect you show for one another. And thank you for your tireless commitment to a vision of justice worthy of the people we serve.
See you in the fight.
Warmly,
Derrick Walker
President, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
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