Thanks to all of you who participated in our listserve survey earlier this summer. We were pleasantly reminded that the lists continue to be tremendously valuable to our members, and we will continue to work with TrialSmith to improve the functionality. A few highlights:

• 98% get good advice from the listserve
• 95% users learn by monitoring the listserves
• 94% find the listserves useful in case work

In the meantime, are you on the best lists for your practice (check out our options here)? Do you know you can search the list messages on any topic (here)? Do you remember the rules of engagement? Thanks again for participating - we hear you!

The Advanced Auto Retreat held last month at Wintergreen was a great time (as usual!) of being together, learning, and reconnecting.

August 25 at 4pm

Managing technology can be a challenge for law firms of all sizes and finding a reliable IT support partner can be even harder. With Mode5, those worries can become a thing of the past. Mode5's dedicated staff can help firms build a solid technology foundation from which you can grow.

Mode5 will be a true partner in your success by handling cloud computing, local network management and network support, backup and disaster recovery services, IT help desk and more.

Join us Thursday, August 25 at 4pm for a chat with Luke Downing of Mode5 to learn about all of this and more!

Register HERE

It's not too soon to add the 2023 Convention to your calendar. Save the date!

August 23 at 12pm

Nearly every American owns a cell phone of some kind. Many of you reading this right now are probably doing so on a phone. A majority also own a desktop, laptop or tablet and the amount of data generated by these digital devices is overwhelming. Attend this program and learn from the experts what data can help in your next MVA case, keep your innocent client out of jail, or catch a cheating spouse.

This program has two parts - the first August 23 and second September 20. Learn the common types of evidence that can be recovered from cell phones (including deleted data) as well as location information, text messages, multimedia, voice mails, cloud backups, emails, and more. Then learn how how data can be acquired and successfully submitted into evidence.

Register for part one HERE and part two HERE

Watch and learn from some of VTLA’s very best trial attorneys as they demonstrate their trial techniques instead of simply talking about them – techniques derived from their own experiences combined with the most current research on how to reach jurors.  Our fact pattern follows a wrongful death trucking case with video of the accident. After each presentation, there will be a live discussion about how the presenters formulated their arguments or examinations. Make sure you sign up HERE!

Hot off the press! The 2022-2023 VTLA Directory of Members & Services is ready and will be hitting mailboxes in the next few weeks. Be on the lookout and let us know what you think of this year’s edition!

Announcing new paralegal leadership

VTLA is excited to announce we have established a leadership structure for our Paralegal/Legal Assistant members! Thanks to the following for stepping up:

• Nicole Terry, Chair, Lantz & Robins
• Brooks Godwin, Chair-Elect, Allen Allen Allen & Allen
• Lynne Seay, Secretary, Fredericksburg Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office

Thursday, September 15 at 9am

This year’s Family Law CLE program is coming up and will focus on the real-life implications of Virginia’s most recent legislative updates and judicial decisions. Following Yourko v. Yourko, what ethical obligations do attorneys have to amend prior marital settlement agreements that contain impermissible indemnification provisions per this Court of Appeals ruling? As the pandemic continues, how do courts rule when the parties disagree on whether to vaccinate their child, yet the parties share joint legal custody? How can parties effectively utilize third parties in the joint legal custody realm? 

Join us in Richmond (or virtually) on September 15 to explore the answers to these and many other questions. Tashina Gorgone, Maddox & Gerock, PC, has put together a stellar lineup of speakers and extensive judicial panel discussions.

Sign up HERE!

Have you read up on the new Virginia laws that went into effect on July 1? Here are two ways to take a look: an overall summary prepared by legislative services at the General Assembly or at the legislative page on our website. You can look at bills we tracked by subject area and for each, check its final disposition. 

• Charlotte Alton
• Porscha Brown
• Taylor Comstock
• Adam Dourafei
• Brittany F. Gordon
• Peter Hatfield
• Torrey Johnson
• Tara Keller
• Daniel Jacob Martin
• Amber Quick
• Daniel Vall-llobera
• David Whiting