Last Chance to Register for the Spring Sections Seminar, New Journal of Civil Litigation, and more.

VADA Defense Line
April 2026

April 29 - May 1
The Virginian Hotel
Lynchburg

New Format and Expanded Programming

The upcoming Spring Sections Seminar in Lynchburg will debut a refreshed and thoughtfully designed meeting format aimed at delivering broader value to our membership.

A New Approach to Programming
This year, the seminar will move away from traditional section breakout sessions in favor of plenary sessions developed and led by Section Chairs. These sessions are designed to address topics of wide-ranging relevance and practical importance across practice areas.  Members of the Medical Malpractice Section will continue to have the option to attend dedicated breakout sessions on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

Timely and Relevant Content
The program will feature a strong lineup of substantive topics including, but not limited to, the following sessions:

  • Legislative Update

  • Appellate Court Update, featuring three judges from the Court of Appeals

  • Right to Repair Laws

  • Indemnification Provision Enforceability

  • Winning the Fight Over Federal Jurisdiction

  • Conflict of Interest Malpractice Missteps (Ethics)

Networking and Member Engagement
In addition to robust CLE programming, the seminar will offer numerous opportunities to connect with colleagues. Attendees can look forward to receptions, a late-night social event, and the Women’s Section Dinner. New this year, we've added Dine Around Dinners on Wednesday night and you can sign up to join a reservation by clicking the logo above.

We look forward to seeing you in Lynchburg.

Potomac Region
May 12
Solace Outpost, Falls Church

Please join us for the Potomac Regional Happy Hour! We will meet at 5:30 at Solace Outpost in Falls Church and there is ample public parking adjacent to the restaurant.

Please RSVP by May 4, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Potomac Regional Director, Kathryn Bonorchis, at Kathryn.bonorchis@lewisbrisbois.com.


Southwest Region

June 24
Fork in the Alley

Please join us for the Southwest Regional Happy Hour! We will meet at 5:00 at Fork in the Alley.

Please RSVP by June 10, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Southwest Regional Director, Sarah Jessee at sarah.jessee@woodsrogers.com.

September 20
Bartizan Event Hall, Short Pump

Your paralegals should plan now to join us for a full day of practical, skills-based training designed specifically for paralegals working in civil defense practices. 

The seminar will cover key aspects of Virginia civil litigation, including discovery management, trial preparation, technology in practice, ethics, and strategies for maintaining wellness and work-life balance in a demanding legal environment. Attendees will gain actionable tools and insights to enhance their effectiveness and support their litigation teams.

Additional details, including registration information and the full agenda, will be available soon.

Journal of Civil Litigation
Spring 2026 Edition

Do not miss the Spring 2026 edition of The Journal of Civil Litigation!  It includes 12 judicial opinions and four feature articles:

  • Vivek Subramanyam analyzes the Virginia Supreme Court’s interpretation of Rule 4:10 in Virginia Linen and anticipates discovery disputes that may arise regarding the scope of the Rule and party preferences for doctors.
  • Karlo Goronja predicts the potential pitfalls and advantages of defending autonomous technology cases under the Commonwealth’s product liability regime.
  • Kelly Cousoulis reviews the differences between – and at times intersection of – classic fraud and Virginia Consumer Protection Act claims in Virginia.
  • Ashley Hart and Samuel Armstrong examine Rule 3:26 and the standard for issuance of preliminary injunctions and temporary restraining orders as promulgated by the Virginia Supreme Court in 2024.

Many thanks to Managing Editor, Molly Terry; Editor-in-Chief, Kent Sinclair; the Board of Editors; and Chair of the Board of Editors, John D. Eure for consistently producing such a quality journal. VADA members receive the Journal as a benefit of membership and can search current and past journals, including by keyword, on our website.

VADA/VTLA Frank N. Cowan
Golf Tournament

Save the Date!

The annual VADA/VTLA Frank N. Cowan Golf Tournament will be held November 4, 2026, at Independence Golf Course!

We are still renewing our memberships – if you have questions about your membership status please reach out to Sherma Mather at smather@vada.org for more information!

Ashley Archange
McAngus Goudelock

This Takoma Park, Maryland, native and proud mother of two (three, if you count Donut!) is perhaps best known, at least to some. for her award-winning 1997 Dodge Intrepid.  For this, and more, on this month’s VADA Spotlighted member, click here.

The Women’s Section will be hosting a fun and relaxing candle workshop at the Spring Sections Seminar!

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!

– Phylicia Preston & Ren Klinovskiy

Be sure to bookmark VADA Upcoming Events so you don't miss out.

April 29
Board Meeting
The Virginian, Lynchburg

April 29-May 1
Spring Sections Seminar
The Virginian, Lynchburg

May 12
Potomac Region Networking Reception
Falls Church

June 24
Southwest Region Networking Reception
Fork in the Alley

August 14
Board Meeting
Zoom

September 10
Paralegal Seminar
Henrico

October 21
Board Meeting
Hotel Roanoke

October 21-23
Annual Meeting
Hotel Roanoke

October 28
VADA/VTLA Ethics Webinar
Zoom

November 4
VADA/VTLA Frank N. Cowan Golf Tournament
Midlothian

December 4
Boot Camp
Richmond

VADA’S Mission

The mission of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys is to develop and support Virginia attorneys engaged in a civil defense practice in the professional and ethical representation of their clients through education, communication and fellowship.

Join our social media sites where we post current court updates, relevant legal developments, and much, much more!  

    Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
    11533 Busy Street, #327
    N. Chesterfield, VA  23236
    804-649-1002 | www.vada.org

    Executive Director: Sherma Mather
    Director of Meetings: Amy Gilbody
    Journal of Civil Litigation Managing EditorMolly Terry

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