Did you miss Bob Hall’s national webinar “Proving Grief and Loss in Wrongful Death Cases” last week? Bob breaks down the many faces of grief over time, identifying the lifelong effects of loss, particularly as they pertain to wrongful death cases. He’ll show you how to connect with clients mourning the loss of a loved one and how to communicate that loss to the jury as intangible damages. This isn’t one to miss, so clear some time in your day to catch the on-demand recording whenever it is convenient for you.

Last month, we held a wonderful Tort CLE seminar co-chaired by Gary Mims and Kevin Biniazan titled “Begin with the End in Mind: Maximizing Recoveries.” Thanks to all who attended both in Richmond and virtually! If you missed it, you can catch several of the sessions through our website HERE.

As the expanded Court of Appeals begins to hear civil appeals, VTLA would like to be able to stay on top of issues being argued. We can only do that with your help. Right now, there is no mechanism in place to see what issues are being appealed in the Court of Appeals cases. Please let us know if you are involved in an appeal (it’s easy - click HERE). We have a special committee looking to reshape our amicus process to determine the new rules of engagement there, as well as watching for trends.

Stay tuned for a second campfire later this year to discuss these issues.

Thank you as always for being a member and for letting us help you be your best!

In honor of Juneteenth this year, Brooke Taylor of the VTLA Diversity and Inclusion Alliance shares the significance and history of Juneteenth as well as what we can do now to continue our own education, understanding and activism in our lives and work.

Keep reading HERE

Many lawyers might be Type A but in this case, it also takes B, O, positive, negative – it really does take ALL types! It doesn’t matter what your blood type is or what type of lawyer you are – plaintiff, defense, family, corporate – again, all types.

After watching the terrible bloodshed in New York, Texas, and Oklahoma, lawyers from across our Commonwealth are looking to make a difference here at home. Give blood this month – regardless of the “type” of lawyer you are, and save a life.

The young lawyer sections of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA), Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys (VADA) and the Virginia Bar Association (VBA) are collectively hosting a Virtual Blood Drive Campaign across Virginia. Please consider making (and keeping) an appointment to give blood to the American Red Cross sometime in June and help us reach our goal of at least 50 donors. All ages welcome and encouraged to donate!

Make your pledge HERE

VTLA Past President Stephanie Grana will be installed as the 83rd Virginia State Bar President at their Annual Meeting in Virginia Beach next month. Any VTLA members who will be attending the meeting are encouraged to attend the reception and banquet for Stephanie on Friday, June 17. Want to just buy a ticket the banquet? Please use the form HERE to purchase your tickets. Limited seats available. Congrats Stephanie!

• Duncan Brent
• Lindsay G. Dugan
• Sarah Betts Esterhay
• Timothy Ryan Johnson

In a long-standing tradition, Virginia Trial Lawyers Foundation presented our Trial Advocacy Award to a graduating student at each Virginia law school this month. 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 2022 class includes:

• Carson Cox - Washington and Lee University
• Taylor Renee Fatherree - University of Virginia
• Brandi Hurley - Appalachian School of Law
• Brendan D. Kelly - George Mason University
• Emily R. Marcy - William & Mary
• Dylan James McAuley - University of Richmond
• Emily Russell - Liberty University
• Steven Adam Thomas - Regent University

Congratulations!

Are you looking for talent? Are you looking for a new firm? VTLA offers an exclusive (and free!) service to help our members find talent and find new opportunities. Listings for attorneys, paralegals and even law office space are available on our website here and are also emailed out to all members twice a month. Please contact Katherine Meiller to receive information on how to let everyone know about your opportunity!

The Long-Term Care Section was excited to hold their fully in-person retreat last month in Staunton - finally, after being postponed twice by the pandemic. Thanks to Avery Adcock of the Senior Justice Law Firm for putting together a stellar lineup of speakers and topics. Thanks to all who participated! And if you handle these cases, be sure you caught our recent Journal issue.