Congratulations to VTLA President Derrick Walker who was elected treasurer of the American Association for Justice at its annual meeting last month. A number of other members were elected to various section leadership positions and the following received special awards:

• Don Scott: Minority Caucus Soaring Eagle Award
• Kevin Biniazan: New Lawyers Division F. Scott Baldwin Award and the Richard D. Haley Distinguished Service award for members of the AAJ Board of Governors who during the past year have been of special assistance to the President of the Association
• Bridget Long: Certificate of Recognition recognizing members for their exemplary and exceptional level of service to AAJ through fundraising, membership, advocacy, or education.

Earlier this month, VTLA members gathered virtually to talk about LinkedIn and, let’s face it, about Maggie. (If you don’t know VTLA member Brewster Rawls on LinkedIn, you probably don’t know Maggie, but many do.)

Actually, Solo and Small Firm Section Co-Chair Tony Greene led a discussion among three VTLA members each active in LinkedIn in different ways. Each discussed how to get beyond the “our firm got a great designation” posts to more effective discussions and new connections. Thanks to Brewster Rawls, Sharif Gray, Amy Bradley, and all those who joined in the discussion.

Looking for more great content? Join the section here! (On that listserve, topics have ranged from virtual receptionists to copiers.)

Three VTLA Sections will meet before our next Law Letter - if you’re a Section member, sign up today and attend! (If you’re not, join the section today and we’ll keep you in through 2026. Email Jonathan and we can get you all set.)

• Women’s Caucus - July 29 at noon
  register here
  Jennifer Gardner guest speaker (see story above)
  Membership in this section is automatic and this program is open to all VTLA members.
   
• Products Liability - August 4 at 3:30
  register here
   
• Solo and Small Firm - August 7 at 11
  register here 
  Some of VTLA’s more prolific LinkedIn posters will talk about the value to you and your firm of being an active participant in LinkedIn.

• Jehad Ali 
• Sarah D. Ayers* 
• Brannon Verdain Barnes* 
• Aaron Bowen 
• Scott Burger 
• Charles Michael Conley 
• Brandon Dixon 
• Ikechukwu Melchyesedech Ezekwu Sr.
• William F. Gogoel 
• Shlok Grover 
• Laura Hicks* 
• Shelia Holmes 
• Madison Howell 
• Kristeen Hunter* 
• Stephanie Iaquinto 
• Sam Hooker Jones III
• Connor Lauer 
• Nathalie D. Lezcano Beitia 
• Christopher Michael Midgley 
• Alana Raquelle Norris* 
• Joseph Christian Obenshain 
• Thomas Francis Ranieri Sr.
• Mariam Rasooli 
• Chloe Arendall Staples* 
• Olivia Stocks* 
• Brian Michael Tarno   

* Paralegal member

We’ve got you! Need a refresh for your practice? Want to stretch into a new area? Take a look at VTLA’s offerings this fall and join us!

• Don’t Slip and Fall: Premises Liability Seminar - August 27 - Richmond or virtual
• Boosting Your Value: Essential Tips for New Trial Lawyers - September 5 - Richmond
• Base to Summit: Medical Malpractice Retreat - September 12-13 - Fredericksburg
• Family Law Seminar: Equitable Distribution - September 25 - Reston or virtual
• Long Term Care Retreat - October 3-4 - Fredericksburg
• Empowering Survivors: Techniques for Seeking Justice for Victims of Sexual Assault - October 7 - Richmond or virtual
• Auto Insurance Update: Update for the Modern Era - October 16 - Richmond or virtual
• Annual Paralegal Seminar - November 13 - Fredericksburg

As a new trial lawyer, you can significantly boost your value to the firm even when not the lead attorney by mastering the detailed facts of the case, taking proactive roles, and collaborating effectively.

Learn valuable tips in the next installment of the New Trial Lawyer Webinar Series on August 6 at 4 pm. Catch this program to see how others were able to accomplish great results with focus groups and other tips. The final in-person program of this series will be held in September, in person, in Richmond. Click here.

Whether you’re enjoying cookouts, fireworks, beach days, or even AAJ in San Francisco, join VTLA for some summer learning! Our Advanced Auto Retreat is coming up next week, followed by an open Women’s Caucus meeting featuring a guest speaker on the 29th, and a free training webinar on the new TPL portal on the 30th. In August, we’re holding a premises liability seminar - all of that before our busy Fall season! Most of these programs can be attended from your desk or from a beach chair. We look forward to seeing you!

Following action by the 2025 General Assembly, there are new/updated certification requirements under Va. Code 8.01-20.1, 8.01-50.1 and 16.1-83.1 effective July 1. These changes should eliminate most, if not all, challenges to signed certificates, but failure to comply can result in mandatory sanctions, including dismissal with prejudice, so take notice! President-elect Melissa Ray clarifies the changes in an article coming in our next Journal - get a sneak peak here. 

July 30 at 11 am

The new Third Party Liability (TPL) Portal is ready for you! The TPL Portal has been developed by DMAS (Department of Medical Assistance Services) to aid in more timely and accurate coordination of insurance and Medicaid/FAMIS claims.

Members of DMAS and Office of the Attorney General staff will train you and your office staff with this important webinar. Rob Reed from Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen will facilitate the program. It’s free and open to all VTLA members. Register here.

Attorney and student of neuroscience Jennifer Gardner will join the VTLA Women's Caucus on July 29th at noon.

What if all you were taught in law school about the practice of law as fact-driven, logical and rational may not get your client total justice when human biology is actually emotion? She talked in a recent podcast about understanding that emotional decision making doesn't just supplement a case - it transforms outcomes and verdicts. This is a virtual discussion, open and free to all. Sign up for the meeting here!