You certainly have noticed the blue wave that will be crashing into the proverbial Richmond shores in January, but that does not mean we can be either over eager or complacent. The wolves are at the gate, demanding major changes with major fights - nationally and in other states near and far. In Virginia, as bills begin to trickle in for the 2026 General Assembly, we are keeping an eye out for these issues while continuing to look at ways to improve justice for you and your clients. Beginning in January, look for our emailed legislative updates to know what we are doing here at home. Now, for more about these wolves, keep reading... 

Wednesday, November 19
12:45-4:00 pm
Goochland Cares, 2999 River Road West

VTLA is partnering again with the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation (GRBF) to host another Wills Clinic and we need YOU to help!

This clinic benefits low-income clients of The Span Center and Goochland County’s Department of Aging and Disability by providing them with a basic will, power of attorney, or advanced medical directive. We need volunteers and the best part is there is no experience necessary. We need 6 lawyers, 6 law students or paralegals (to serve as witnesses/assist with drafting), and 2 notaries.

Please join us! Email Hannah Brechlin ASAP at hbrechlin@vtla.com to volunteer or ask any questions.
 

Friday, November 21
Fredericksburg, 4-6 pm

Have you been in practice 10 years or less? You are automatically a part of our New Lawyers Section so this event is just for you!

Please join us this Friday, November 21st at Park Lane Tavern in Fredericksburg for a happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Come and meet your colleagues - see old friends and make new ones! Food and drink included.

Be sure to include your email address when you RSVP so we may notify you of any changes or updates.

VTLA is, like many of you, a lifelong learner! Just last week, Valerie O’Brien joined executive directors and government affairs staff from across the country to learn about initiatives under way in other states and at the national level. Staying on top of attacks and successes with our neighbors improves our work here at home.

Valerie and Chris Nichols from North Carolina Advocates for Justice presented to the group and shared VTLA’s recent achievements in raising minimum auto insurance limits and eliminating the UIM setoff.

We are thrilled to welcome Courtney Hammack back to VTLA - this time as our Deputy Director. Many of you know Courtney from her nearly 11 years of service to VTLA prior to 2022. After her time at VCU in corporate relations, she now returns to us bringing fresh ideas, perspectives and leadership for our ever-evolving association. You’ll see Courtney at events, behind our revitalized social media presence, and leading exciting new strategic initiatives. Need to get in touch with Courtney? You can reach her by email here. Welcome home, Courtney!

• Tori Arpe* 
• Danny Davis Ashwell Jr.
• Jazmine Bashara 
• Theadora Shihadeh Bouffard 
• Sean Breit-Rupe 
• Bonnie J. Brown* 
• Crystal Jordan Dillon* 
• Kathleen Marie Elia* 
• Dylan Scout Graham 
• Maria Greer* 
• Natalie Z. Hill 
• Logan Kimball White Levy 
• Samuel Martin 
• Sheila Olivia Martin* 
• Bryan Grant Meader 
• Lauren Suzanne Mearns 
• Whitney Melton 
• Brenda Elizabet Membreno* 
• William Nossen 
• Samantha Owens 
• Asha Shirish Pandya 
• Rena A Parr* 
• Katherine Phillips* 
• Elizabeth Page Redpath 
• Cloyd Allen Smith 
• Whitney Smith 
• Brenna R. Streeter 
• Sabina Bunt Thaler 
• Kevin M Wood 
• Mikayra Y. Young

* Paralegal members

Justice Day
January 28, 8 am - 1 pm

Long Term Care Retreat
February 6-7, Fredericksburg
register here

Workers’ Comp Retreat
February 6-7, Richmond
register here

Advanced Family Law Retreat
February 20-21, Charlottesville
register here

VTLA Annual Convention
March 18-21, The Greenbrier

Since our last Law Letter in September, we’ve had a few new events: another district gathering, this time in Harrisonburg, and a first-ever seminar for VTLA on seeking civil justice for sexual assault survivors. Mix in our annual family law seminar and quarterly Board meeting, the fall remains a busy time around here. If we haven’t seen you yet, there’s still time - our Insurance Update tomorrow, a free ethics webinar at the end of the month, two more district gatherings, practice chats, wills clinic and more. Read on... 

October 29, noon
Free Ethics Live CLE

This legal ethics webinar tackles some of the most pressing and rapidly evolving ethical challenges facing the legal profession today. With the rise of technology and shifting communication norms, lawyers must navigate new complexities related to AI integration, digital investigations, modern billing practices, and public commentary. 

Join VTLA member Chad A. Mooney and VADA member Johneal M. White for this interactive discussion:

• Value-Based Billing and Client Transparency
• The Ethical Use of AI in Litigation
• Social Media and Online Investigations: Ethical Boundaries
• Making Statements in Traditional and Social Media about Cases and Judiciary
• Plus plenty of time for Q&A!

Register here.

As you have no doubt heard, seen and read: Virginia is less than a month away from an election for statewide offices and every delegate seat. We have updated our flyer full of all these necessary details for you to download and share with your firm or clients. 

• Download the flyer here.
• Download a version to add your firm logo and distribute here.