In 2000, VTLA launched the first statewide listserve to discuss trial law. In the Law Letter at that time, we called it an online forum.

It was a bumpy start. A new concept. But within a few short years, we launched more lists due to their popularity. Questions asked and answered. Innovative new ideas offered and debated. Successes celebrated and disappointments shared. Much like the Forum in ancient Rome was the place for the courts, public meetings and political debate, so too have our listserves become a forum.

The growth of these lists reflects the growth of our community. Beginning tomorrow, we will have a VTLA Forum listserve.

Words Matter. But Action Moves the World.

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.

May 30
Charlottesville or Virtual

Transform how you work with experts with battle-tested strategies on how to select, prepare, present, and examine expert testimony that withstands scrutiny and persuades juries. 

This top-notch VTLA seminar is taught by leaders you know and trust, including Derrick Walker, Jonathan Petty, Lee Floyd, Mike Shevlin, Amy Griggs, Brewster Rawls, Steve Friedman, and more! If you are attending in person, join in an informal conversation with judges over lunch.

This program is chaired by Les Bowers from MichieHamlett and Kari La Fratta from Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen.

Sign up today!

Did we make VTLA history at this year’s Convention at the Homestead? Combining our in-person and virtual attendees with a record number of vendors, we just may have exceeded attendance records! Thanks to everyone who attended, our great cadre of speakers, and Convention Chair Ashley Davis. Click here to check out some of our pics.

None of the fun and learning can happen without the amazing support of members and vendors. Please join us in thanking these sponsors! Did you want to attend a particular session? Let us know as it may be available on demand.

Want another quick Homestead getaway? They are offering a special 25% discount in May for VTLA members if you book with VTLAPROMO25 by April 30. (excludes holidays - call the Homestead for all the details)

Mark your calendars for next year’s convention at The Greenbrier, March 18-21.

VTLA members share their talents in multiple ways! This month, we are featuring a podcast launched by Bob and Lauren Byrne of MartinWren in Charlottesville.

Bob and Lauren are a married trial team who have launched “Trials of a Lawyer.” They discuss the trials and tribulations of being civil trial lawyers who try cases together with a backdrop of being married for over 20 years with five young kids still at home. Phew! 

Want to give it a listen? Tune in on Spotify here.

Do you host a podcast? Let us know!

Practicing law looks different for everyone and second year law students at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School got a snapshot from several of VTLA’s New Trial Lawyers, some of whom were alums and some visiting for the first time.

The panel shared their experiences with shifting career paths, navigating tough moments in and out of the courtroom, maintaining wellness and balance, building confidence as a new attorney, and creating a supportive network. We capped off the program with a reception in GMU Law’s Leadership Center, generously co-sponsored by VTLA, Nichols Zauzig (Melissa Ray, Class of 2003) and Burnett & Williams (Jim Williams, Class of 1987) law firms.

This is the second of VTLA’s series of New Trial Lawyers Advocacy Panels & Networking Receptions, and we are working to bring future events to more law schools throughout Virginia.

Huge thank you to GMU’s Moot Court and Trial Advocacy Board and our panelists:

• Melissa Dragone, Masterman Krogmann
• Rakin Hamad, Curcio Law
• David Hagan, Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner
• Natasha Phidd, Office of the Public Defender
• Daniel Savage, Marks & Harrison

Tyler Layne with WTVR CBS 6 News in Richmond will receive VTLA’s Excellence in Journalism Award on Friday at the membership lunch at the Convention. In at least two stories on severe failures in nursing homes and the state agency charged with inspecting those facilities, Tyler brought general awareness to issues facing many Virginians.

VTLA’s Excellence in Journalism Award is presented to a journalist who raises the public’s awareness and understanding of our civil or criminal justice system and its effect on Virginians. Since the award’s inception in 1988, VTLA has honored journalists for their accuracy, initiative, originality, tenacity, effectiveness, and skill in reporting on a diverse range of topics. Thank you Tyler for telling these stories for all to hear.

Scan each code above to read his articles.

At our Convention each year, we take just a minute to publicly thank our members who graciously gave of their time and talent to author an amicus brief either in the Virginia Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Virginia. With the expanded jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals, you can imagine our amicus committee has been quite busy. So thank you to these VTLA members who wrote briefs: Matt Perushek, Samantha Sledd, Steve Friedman, Mike Hollingsworth, Tom Domonoske, Billie Leeth, and Nathan Veldhuis.

Which brings us to another few points: are you facing an appeal and think a VTLA amicus could help? Contact Valerie O'Brien at VTLA and let us know. Our amicus committee is quite nimble and can consider your request quickly, but the more time we have the better.

Are you willing to write or even co-write a brief? It doesn’t help to have the best case if we don’t have the best author lined up to assist. Let us know if you are willing to be called to write.

Thu, March 27 at noon

Demystify ERISA and with tools to identify employer-sponsored benefits, recognize common insurance pitfalls, and protect clients from unexpected benefit reductions. By the end of this session, attendees will have a clear understanding of how ERISA benefits, STD, LTD, and life insurance policies may impact their clients—and how proactive case management can prevent costly mistakes. Free and open to any member: any personal injury or workers' compensation paralegal, regardless of experience level, who wants sunlight on understanding the complex nature of ERISA. Register here.

May 30 - Charlottesville or Virtual

Transform how you work with expert witnesses in this intensive program designed exclusively for plaintiff attorneys.

•     Direct examination of retained experts
•     Cross examination of experts
•     Writing an appropriate designation
•     Excluding experts
•     Demonstrative exhibits for trial
•     Rule 4:10 best practices
•     Circuit Court judges panel
•     Finding and retaining the best experts
•     Dealing with difficult experts 
•     Federal court – tips and traps
•     Researching literature

Register here.