The Virginia Criminal Justice Conference (VCJC) met last month in Staunton and hashed out three small yet impactful legislative suggestions to improve the criminal justice system. Thanks to the prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, professors and others who worked in 12 study committees throughout the year and presented their work at the annual conference. VCJC is supported by and run by VTLA.

• Allia Borowski
• Kenneth Kettler
• Eric Speer
• Elyse Stiner

November 11-12 in Williamsburg

Tractor-trailer cases are not just big auto cases. Learn how to handle a serious trucking case with experts from Virginia and across the country. This retreat offers in-depth learning about not only the basics of tractor-trailer litigation but also intermediate and advanced topics. We will even have a tractor-trailer on site for demonstrations on Saturday! If you handle trucking cases, you must be here. Register here.

November 4-5 in Richmond

Held every November, this two-day program is a premier event for Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation practitioners. Attend and get caught up on recent developments, litigation strategies, practice tips, updates, and more! Register here.

For decades, VTLA has honored outstanding Virginia journalists who, through their reporting of criminal or civil justice issues, have fostered an increased public awareness and understanding of the fundamental role these systems play in the lives of Virginians. We need your help to identify candidates for this award for work during 2022. Let us know your nominations by contacting our Public Affairs chair, Kevin Biniazan. Now, more than ever, it is vital to honor, recognize and support local journalists.

December 5 at 2 pm

How can a focus group help your case? Jury Impressions provides affordable focus groups, mock trials, and consulting services by a veteran team. The company was founded in 2005 by our past president Irv Cantor. As you most likely know, Irv is an active trial lawyer with 40+ years of experience in the courtroom and has conducted more than 450 focus groups, and most likely in cases you have read about.

Never tried a focus group before? Tried one and it didn’t work for you? Mark your calendar to chat with Jury Impressions on December 5 and see how they can help you.

October 25 in Richmond (and virtual!)

Some trial lawyers are naturally gifted storytellers, but storytelling is a skill that can be learned and honed. This program is about how to develop and communicate stories across the spectrum of trial and to a multitude of audiences. Whether you are new to the practice of law or have been practicing for decades, attend this seminar and walk away with new insight into the art of persuasive storytelling. Sign up HERE.

November 2 in Richmond

Invest in an efficient, knowledgeable and resourceful legal staff by sending them to VTLA's annual Paralegal Seminar. Level Up will provide all that and a dynamic network to assist you and your clients in the best ways. Your staff will return to the office with new information, new ideas and a new commitment to clients.

The program starts at 9, lunch is provided, parking is free, and our day ends with a reception to help expand your resource network and develop new relationships. Oh, and our paralegal marketplace with dozens of vendors is back (raffles, swag, and prizes…oh my)! Register HERE

Did you miss it? No worries; we just started! On the second Wednesday of every month for six more months, grab your lunch and join us. Watch and learn from some of the very best trial attorneys as they demonstrate their trial techniques instead of simply talking about them. Our fact pattern follows a wrongful death trucking case with video of the accident. After each presentation, there will be a live discussion with Bryan Slaughter about how the presenters formulated their arguments or examinations.

Watch the trailer here, then REGISTER HERE.
If you missed the first one, sign up now and you get access to voir dire by Stephanie Grana. Next up? Opening statement on November 9.

Scan the code above to get started!

AAJ’s Voter Protection Action Committee has developed national and state alliances with voter protection coalition partners and has determined where lawyer volunteers are needed in the upcoming critical midterm elections to serve as poll workers, poll monitors, call center volunteers and more. There are both in-person and remote opportunities available.

AAJ is also asking all to consider an Election Day of Service on November 8, by closing your office for Election Day and encouraging your staff to volunteer to protect the vote.