The YTL leadership election has finished and congratulations to Brad Kent, YTL secretary! He joins Natasha Phidd, Chair, and Rakin Hamad, Chair-Elect. The section works together to bring programs and social events for young trial lawyers - reach out to VTLA if you’re interested in joining the leadership team!

Annually, VTLA is proud to make the largest voluntary bar association contribution to the Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (VJLAP). This commitment to the well being of our colleagues and their families is one that we take to heart and to the bank. Thank you for helping us make that gift.

What is VJLAP? This team of professionals provide confidential, non-disciplinary help to lawyers, judges, law students, bar applicants and other members of the legal community and their families who are experiencing personal or professional impairment as a result of substance abuse or mental health issues.  Find out more about VJLAP here.

• John Paul Cimino
• Alexandra Ellmauer
• Geoffrey R. Grau
• Lamonte Hazell
• Emily Rowe Sitzler
• Michael Joseph Turiello
• Jesse Wiese

July 28-29 – Charlottesville

You probably heard us talk about “Touch the Truck” for our trucking retreat last year - now, we’re bringing that same concept to our Auto Retreat this summer! Join accident expert Matt Dwyer who will reconstruct a crash and walk you through the vehicle download.

Great speakers will help you learn more about advances in car technology and artificial intelligence along with other timely topics. Don’t miss out! VTLA’s Advanced Auto Retreat will be held at the Quirk Hotel in Charlottesville July 28-29. Learn more and register here.

• Chantal Corrigan
• Darrell J. Getman
• Isaac A. McBeth
• Sarah V. Rose
• Helen Vu

In a long-standing tradition, Virginia Trial Lawyers Foundation presented our Trial Advocacy Award to a graduating student at each Virginia law school. The recipient, who is chosen by the school’s Dean and faculty, best exemplifies the attributes of an effective trial advocate, is dedicated to preserving the rights of individuals, and exhibits excellence in trial skills. 

The 2023 class includes:

• Jarod Dye - Washington and Lee University
• Leah J. DeFazio - University of Virginia
• Presley Ashley - Appalachian School of Law
• Annette Yospe - George Mason University
• Salem Amare - William & Mary
• Brian Krach - University of Richmond
• Chloe Stevens - Liberty University
• Kimberly Sloan Lambert - Regent University 

VTLA Board member Chidi James will be installed as the next Virginia State Bar President at the Annual Meeting in Virginia Beach in June.

If you are attending the meeting, be sure to attend the reception and banquet for Chidi on Friday, June 16th. Want to just come for the Friday festivities? Click here to buy a ticket. Congratulations Chidi!

Attend our Med School, just for you! Join us this Wednesday for our 2023 Med School for Trial Attorneys in Richmond (or virtually).

Enroll in our one-day medical school, taught by legal and medical professionals, to better understand your cases. Whether you handle personal injury, medical malpractice, premises liability, workers’ compensation, and/or disability cases, this unique program will give you practical information to use.

Register HERE

The heartiest of souls hit the trail Saturday morning of convention to brave the elements for a so-called Fun Run! Congratulations to our winners (who simply receive our admiration!): Rob Reed, Judge John Hart, Judge Matt Hoffman, and Asha Kays. Check out all the fun with our picture album here.

Please take a quick moment to thank these members for their generous contributions of valuable time, talents, and abilities in authoring an Amicus Curiae Brief on behalf of the Association over the past few years:

2020

•    Joseph v. Target Stores Inc. – Mary Lynn Tate and Roger Creager
•    Jane Doe v. Michael L. Baker, et al. – Juli Porto 
•    Shoemaker v. Funkhouser – Kyle McNew
•    Hampton v. Meyer – Ashley Davis

2021

•    Stoots v. Marion Life Saving Crew – Cory Ford and Peter Pentony
•    Farah v. Commonwealth of Virginia (DMAS) – John Davidson
•    Mattejat v. Blosser – Robert Byrne and Andrea Geiger
•    Nicholson v. Commonwealth – Gobind Sethi and Samantha Sledd

2022

•    English v. Quinn – Kyle McNew and Les Bowers

2023

•    Howard v. Harris – Lee Floyd and Billie Hobbes