Register Now for the Spring Sections Seminar, VADA Members Honored, and more.

VADA Defense Line
March 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 below.

Registration and Accommodations
With the introduction of this new format, early registration is strongly encouraged. Advance registration allows for accurate attendance projections, meal planning, and session logistics—ensuring a well-organized and successful program for all participants. Click below to register now.

While the room block at The Virginian is now 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.

We look forward to seeing you in Lynchburg.

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.

VTLA-VADA Civility &
Professionalism Award

Congratulations to VADA member Brian Sanderson, recipient of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association’s 2026 VTLA-VADA Civility and Professionalism Award! VTLA presented the Award to Brian this past week at the VTLA’s Annual Convention.

Congratulations, Brian!



Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame

Congratulations to VADA Past-President David Corrigan, member Guy Harbert, member Martha Medley, Past-President Frank “Bunky” Miller, III, (posthumously) and Past-President John Mumford on being named to the 2026 class of the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame, sponsored by Virginia Lawyers Weekly! David, Guy, Martha, Bunky, John, and this year’s other honorees will be celebrated at a reception on April 30 at The John Marshall Ballrooms in Richmond.

Congrats again, David, Guy, Martha, Bunky, and John on this well-deserved honor!

A second round of paper dues notices was mailed earlier in March! If you have questions about your membership status, please reach out to Sherma Mather at smather@vada.org for more information.


Paul Kuhnel
Harman Claytor Corrigan Wellman

John Loughney
McAngus Goudelock and Courie

Daniel White
Greene County Commonwealth’s Attorney

Carly Wright
Moran Reeves Conn


This proud Star City native loves golf, spicy tuna sushi, and unsweet iced tea, perhaps in that order.  His guiding principle?  Striving every day to exemplify Thomas Jefferson’s concept of the citizen lawyer.  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!

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

August 14
Board Meeting
Zoom

October 21
Board Meeting
Hotel Roanoke

October 21-23
Annual Meeting
Hotel Roanoke

October 28
VADA/VTLA Ethics Webinar
Zoom

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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