The VTLA Nominating Committee has met and recommends a slate of governors at large and officers for the upcoming year. This slate will be voted on at the business meeting during the Membership Lunch at the convention, Friday April 5. Our Board is also comprised of district governors and section chairs who are all elected by their respective groups, as well as committee chairs who serve as ex officio members. Want more information? Click here.

VTLA works on a wide variety of issues in the legislature and we are thankful for our members who step up to speak in their area of expertise. Brad Goodwin testified early in the session on workers’ compensation issues, Les Bowers presented on a medical malpractice bill, and Nick Simopoulos (pictured above) testified on a bill to waive sovereign immunity under the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA) for claims of employment discrimination against the government. SB 570 passed the Senate and is on its way to the House.

Wednesday, March 13, 12:45-4 pm

VTLA is partnering with the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation (GRBF) to provide a basic Will, Power of Attorney, and Advance Medical Directive to help low-income individuals and families have peace of mind. Through simple, step-by-step templates, virtually any attorney from any practice can do this. No Trusts & Estates experience required and no legal obligations after you leave - one and done. GRBF provides all the on-site training tools and mentorship. If you can spell “will,” you can do one!

Please join us on March 13, 12:45-4 pm at the Hickory Hill Community Center to assist clients of the Richmond Office of Aging & Disability Services with their Life Planning Documents. We are seeking 6 attorneys and 2 witnesses for this pro bono opportunity.

The VTL Foundation is thrilled to announce two outstanding law students as recipients of the 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Foundation Scholarships. Welcome to the VTLA family, Brenda Cooke and Arianna White! The Foundation launched the scholarship program last year to introduce a diverse group of students to a career in trial practice and our Association family.  

Late last month, members from around the Commonwealth joined VTLA leadership and staff for our annual lobby day. A special thank you to VTLA member-legislators who started the day - Delegate Jason Ballard and Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy. As you can see from the pictures, the folks who attended in person got a first-hand look at the inner workings of the General Assembly and met with various legislators. They also got an insider's look at the beautiful new General Assembly Building! Thanks also to those who attended our briefing via zoom. More photos here.

Protective Orders  –  A lunchtime webinar

February 26

Learn more about the protective order process from both sides of the courtroom, from intake to enforcement. You will learn about what forms of relief are available and considerations when preparing for trial. What happens when criminal charges are pending and your client is the petitioner? What if your client is the defendant? Come listen, learn, and ask questions! Free to any VTLA member, register here.

The Family Law section was excited to have a full room at our in-person only retreat earlier this month in Old Town Alexandria. Thanks to Jessica Beatty from Stiles Ewing Powers, for putting together a fantastic lineup of speakers and topics, focused on the modern family law practice and using our clients’ resources wisely, from consultation to mediation and litigation. Thanks to all who participated. Watch for our seminar on September 26th and our next retreat in 2026!

Renew your outlook at VTLA’s Annual Convention from April 3-6 in Washington, DC. Simply put, 34 speakers will inspire you to see old problems in new ways. Traditional and new events will help you renew connections and build new ones. Add on a unique Wednesday morning program that will change the way you weave your client’s stories. Join in the celebration of Sakura - the cherry blossom - as part of the national Cherry Blossom Festival!  Register with VTLA here. Reserve your room here.  Hotel reservations should be made by March 12 and early VTLA registration rates expire March 7. See you soon!

VTLA members come to the practice of law with all kinds of skills, including those learned from team sports! This member and new Williamsburg donor displays those learned skills every day with teamwork, discipline, perseverance, respect and of course good sportsmanship in and out of the courtroom. Who is this VTLA member? Be the first to guess correctly and win two VTLA glasses. Submit your guess here!

Bringing value to your firm and building the foundations for a successful career in law were themes for our second Young Trial Lawyers Retreat last month. The most highly rated aspect in addition to the exceptional speakers was the opportunity for networking and making connections with one another. Up next for YTLs? Consider serving as secretary for the next VTLA year and watch for announcements of future socials. See you in April at Convention!