New Meeting Format This Year
- This year, we are introducing a new format for the Spring Meeting. Instead of section breakouts, we will host plenary sessions organized by section chairs, featuring topics of broad interest to our membership. Medical malpractice section members will still have the option to attend breakout sessions on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
Agenda
Approved for 9.0 HRS CLE (1.0 Ethics)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
6:00 PM — Welcome Reception
7:30 PM — Dine Around Dinners
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
8:00–9:00 AM — Breakfast & Registration
9:00–10:00 AM — 2026 Legislative Updates (Organized by Legislative Committee)
10:00–11:00 AM — Study of Recent Sovereign Immunity Cases (Organized by Local Government)
11:00-11:15 AM — Break
11:15–12:15 PM — Is Your Indemnification Provision Enforceable? Applying Virginia Code § 11-4.1, 1.0 HR (Organized by Corporate & Commercial Lit.)
12:15-2:00 PM — Lunch and Work Break
2:00–3:00 PM — Court of Appeals Update: Reflections on the Brave New World of the Right of Civil Appeals (Organized by Appellate Advocacy)
3:00-3:15 PM — Break
Attend either the General Sessions or Medical Malpractice
GENERAL SESSIONS
3:15–4:15 PM — Advanced Removal Strategy: Winning the Fight Over Federal Jurisdiction (Organized by Policy Coverage)
4:15–5:15 PM — Right to Repair Laws (Organized by Products & Toxic Torts)
OR
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE (PART 1)
3:15 -4:15 PM — Defending the Medicine: Translating Complex Care for Virginia Juries - A Trial and Carrier Perspective
4:15-5:15 PM — What Modern Trial Teams Are Doing Differently
5:15–6:30 PM — Networking Reception
6:45–9:00 PM — Dinner on Your Own
6:45-9:00 PM — Optional Women’s Section Dinner
9:00–10:30 PM — Late Night
FRIDAY, MAY 1
8:00–9:00 AM — Breakfast
Attend either the General Sessions or Medical Malpractice
GENERAL SESSIONS
9:00–10:00 AM — The "Empty Chair" Superseding Causation Defense (Organized by Auto & Transportation)
10:00–11:00 AM — The Requirements for a Willful Misconduct Defense to Workers' Compensation Claims (Organized by Workers’ Compensation)
OR
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE (PART 2)
9:00–10:00 AM — Defending Against Claimed Violations of the Consumer Protection Act
10:00-11:00 AM — Strategies for Undermining Plaintiffs' Claims for Past and Future Medical Expenses
11:00-11:20 PM — Box Lunches Available
11:20-11:30 PM — Wellness Minute & Raffle Winner Announced
11:30–12:30PM — How to Avoid Conflict of Interest Malpractice Missteps (Organized by Professional Liability, 1.0 HR ETHICS)
12:30 PM — Adjourn
FULL AGENDA
Registration
The registration fee for the entire seminar is $395, and includes all sessions, breakfasts, lunches, receptions, late night, and written materials. Cancellations accepted until April 15, but substitutions are welcome anytime.
New members, registration includes your first-year membership in VADA. No membership bill sent until 2027. Contact Sherma Mather at smather@vada.org for details.
Guests are invited to join us for the Thursday Networking Reception for a $75 fee, and you can add this on your registration form.
Dine Around Dinners
Enjoy dinner Wednesday while networking with new or long-time VADA friends. Review the available slots and choose a group reservation to join. Your host is listed in parentheses.
It is Dutch-treat, with each participant paying for their own meal. Space is limited to sign up now. If your plans change, please edit your Sign Up, or contact your meal host listed.
Hotel
The Virginian Hotel
Lynchburg
Our discounted room block is sold out.
While the room block at The Virginian is sold out, accommodations may still be available at the hotel at the prevailing retail rate, as well as at nearby hotels and short-term rental properties.
Women's Section Dinner
The Women’s Section will be hosting a fun and relaxing candle workshop! Create your own custom candle while enjoying a warm, social atmosphere. The evening includes delicious food, wine, and a selection of other beverages.
The event will be at the hotel, and the fee is $40 and it can be added to your registration.
Come unwind, get creative, and connect with great company!
Please Note:
This candle‑making class uses a coconut/apricot wax blend. If you have a coconut allergy, apricot allergy, or any related sensitivities, please do not register for this class or consult your healthcare provider before participating
Wellness Committee
The Wellness Committee will raffle off a basket, sponsored by S-E-A, with of a variety of health and wellness items. Stop by the S-E-A table before Friday to add your name to the raffle. The committee will pull the winner at 11:00 AM Friday and will also offer a Wellness Minute before our closing session.
Sponsors
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For sponsorship information, please contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org.
