Annual Meeting and Paralegal Seminar Registrations Open, Women's Section Lunch & Learn, and more.

VADA Defense Line
July 2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 VADA Annual Meeting, taking place October 21–23 at the historic Hotel Roanoke. Join colleagues from across the Commonwealth for three days of outstanding CLE programming, valuable networking opportunities, section breakouts, the Awards Luncheon, Bench-Bar Reception, Women's Section Dinner, and many of VADA's signature social events. This year's program offers up to 9.0 CLE hours, with timely sessions covering a variety of civil defense topics. Visit the meeting website to see the complete agenda.

While registering, be sure to reserve your room at the Hotel Roanoke as soon as possible. Our discounted VADA room block is available for a limited time and rooms are expected to fill quickly. Don't miss the opportunity to stay at the host hotel and enjoy all of the educational programs, networking events, and camaraderie that make the Annual Meeting one of VADA's premier member events.

We look forward to seeing you in Roanoke this October!

Join the Blue Ridge Region for a Sunday afternoon watching polo.

Polo at King Family Vineyards
October 11

Bring your families and join the Blue Ridge Region for a Sunday afternoon watching polo while mingling with friends and colleagues at beautiful King Family Vineyards. This event is open to all VADA members, regardless of region.

Tickets are $25 for adults (children are free) and VADA will provide tents, lunch, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and a wine tasting. Wine is also available for purchase onsite. Families are welcome to provide their own food and drinks as well.

September 10
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.

Lessons from the Journey:
Paths, Pivots, and Perspectives

September 1
12:00 Noon
Virtual Meeting

Colleen Gentile	Lindsay Rollins	Imani Sowell
Wimbish Gentile McCray & Roeber	The Progressive Group	Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman

Join the Women’s Section for a virtual Lunch & Learn featuring an accomplished panel of women attorneys from diverse practice settings and stages of their careers.

Representing different generations of legal practice, the panelists will share their perspectives on building a successful and fulfilling legal career, overcoming challenges, and intentionally shaping both their professional and personal lives. Through candid discussion, attendees will gain practical insights on career development, leadership, mentorship, work-life integration, and the lessons that have helped each panelist navigate her unique career path.

This engaging conversation offers a valuable opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, gain fresh perspectives on success in the legal profession, and connect with fellow women in the defense bar. Whether you are early in your career or a seasoned practitioner, you will leave with actionable tips and inspiration for shaping your practice and your life.

The event is free to VADA members and potential members.

VADA/VTLA Frank N. Cowan
Golf Tournament

The annual VADA/VTLA Frank N. Cowan Golf Tournament will be held November 4, 2026, at Independence Golf Course! To join Team VADA, please contact Team Captain John Owen at jowen@hccw.com.

Natalie Lyon
Moran, Reeves & Conn

This Warrenton, Virginia, native and proud husband and father of two first entered the working world as an instructor at a kids’ tennis camp. What motivates him in his practice? Empowering his clients through difficult times. For this, and more, on this month’s VADA Spotlighted Member, click here.

Join us on September 1, 2026, for a virtual Lunch & Learn - Lessons from the Journey: Paths, Pivots, and Perspectives. A panel of accomplished women attorneys will share insights on career development, work-life integration, and overcoming challenges while building successful and fulfilling legal careers. Whether you are early in your career or a seasoned practitioner, you will gain practical guidance, and fresh perspectives!

We will also offer an evening of creativity in a flower arranging workshop at the Annual Meeting. Enjoy dinner, wine, and other beverages while learning the art of floral design in a relaxed setting. We will create a fall-themed floral arrangement with guidance from experienced Roanoke florist Mary Jo Thompson (Flowers by Gloriosa). At the end of the evening, you’ll have the choice to take your arrangement or donate it to a local organization that supports survivors of domestic violence. To join the fun, add the event to your Annual Meeting registration.

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

August 14
Board Meeting
Zoom

September 1
Women's Section Lunch & Learn
Virtual

September 10
Paralegal Seminar
Henrico

October 11
Polo at King Family Vineily
Crozet

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.