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Events Calendar


CLE Forms and Meeting Materials can be found here.  VADA member login required.

Any questions about VADA meetings can be directed to Amy Gilbody, Director of Meetings, at agilbody@vada.org.

Upcoming events

    • 25 Oct 2023
    • 6:00 PM
    • 27 Oct 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront
    Register

    Join us for three days of learning and networking with fellow civil defense attorneys. 


    Planning Committee


    Chair Matthew Kelley, Frith Anderson + Peake

    Sam Bernier, Frith Anderson + Peake

    Sophia Brasseux, Moran Reeves Conn

    Lindsey Brock, MGC Law

    Johnita M. Coston, Portsmouth City Attorney’s Office

    Gifford “Giff” V. Hampshire, McGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz

    Sarah Knarzer, McCandlish Holton

    Angela MacFarlane, Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman

    William “Will” Miller, McGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz

    Sally Moore, Babcock & Moore

    Katherine Morley Schwieder, Moran Reeves & Conn

    Quinn B. Novak, FloranceGordonBrown

    Kerrigan C.K. O’Malley, Carter & Shands

    Phylicia A. Preston, Byrne Canaan Law

    Nia White, McCandlish Holton

    Glenn Williams, Frith Anderson + Peake


    Agenda
    (Requesting 9.0 HRS, 2.0 Ethics)


    Wednesday

    6:00 

    President’s Welcome Reception
    Seaside Lobby

    7:30 

    Dine Arounds
    Various locations

    9:30-11:00 

    Late Night
    Raleigh Room at the Cavalier


    Registration




    Thursday

    8:00 

    Registration and Buffet Breakfast
    Seaside Lobby 

    9:00-10:00 

    Decoding the Gen-Z Jury, 1.0 HR
    Seaside Ballroom
    Leslie Ellis, The Caissa Group
    Pamela Hutchens, William & Mary School of Law
    Carlyle (Randy) Wimbish III, Wimbish Gentile McCray & Roeber 

    10:00-11:00 

    Appeals as a Matter of Right – How is it Going One Year In? 1.0 HR
    Seaside Ballroom
    Alicia M. Penn, McGuireWoods
    S. Virginia Bondurant Price, McGuireWoods 

    11:15-12:15 

    Daubert, 1.0 HR
    Seaside Ballroom
    Brian Casey, Clarke Dolph Hull & Brunick
    Gerald “Jerry” Harris, City of Virginia Beach 

    12:15-2:15 

    Awards Luncheon

    2:30-4:30 

    Litigation Section Breakouts

    4:30-6:00 

    Break

    5:00-6:00 Young Lawyers Informal Gathering
    Tulu Seaside Bar 

    6:00-7:30 

    Networking Reception
    Seaside Terrace 

    7:30-9:30 

    Dinner on Your Own

    9:30-11:00 

    Late Night
    Cavalier Beach Grill 


















    Friday

    6:30-7:15
    Oceanside Yoga
    West Lawn

    8:00-8:45 

    Breakfast with the Judiciary
    Seaside Ballroom

    9:00-10:00 

    Direct Negotiation Strategies for Resolving Cases 1.0 HR
    Seaside Ballroom
    Bryn L. Clegg, Willcox Savage
    Joseph Moriarty,
    Willcox Savage

    10:00-11:00 

    Common Trial Mistakes & How to Avoid Them: A Judge’s Perspective, 1.0 HR
    Seaside Ballroom
    Hon. David B. Carson, Roanoke City Circuit Court
    Hon. Mary Jane Hall, Norfolk City Circuit Court
    Hon. John M. Tran, Fairfax County Circuit Court
    Moderator: Matthew E. Kelley, Frith Anderson + Peake

    11:15-12:15 

    Preventing Nuclear Verdicts 1.0 HR
    Seaside Ballroom
    Robert F. Tyson, Jr., Tyson and Mendes
             

    12:15-1:15 

    Remote work is Here to Stay: Maintaining Data Security, Ethics and Your Wellbeing in the New Era of Practicing Law, 1.0 HR Ethics
    Seaside Ballroom
    Taylor Brewer, Moran Reeves & Conn
    Matt Daly, MGC Law
    Shyrell Reed, Moran Reeves & Conn
    Hon. Beverly Snukals (Ret.), The McCammon Group

    1:15 

    Adjourn and Box Lunches
    Seaside Lobby
     

                              

                    


    Registration

    The registration fee includes all CLEs, meals and receptions. New members joining VADA will have their first-year membership fee waived for 2024.  First membership bill will be sent January 2025. For further details, contact Sherma Mather at smather@vada.org.

    Guest registration fee includes Wednesday and Thursday receptions.  For guest ticket information for Thursday's Awards lunch, please contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org. 

    Cancellations accepted until October 10, 2023, minus a $25 processing fee.  No refunds after October 10, but substitutions welcome anytime. Email Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org for further information.


    Hotel


    Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront


    We will be meeting at the Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Use this link to book your room at the VADA discounted rate.  The block will be released the earlier of October 3, or when the block fills so book today. *Please note that Marriott International automatically adds a resort fee to their reservations. VADA has negotiated the removal of this fee for our attendees, and it will be deleted from your reservation upon check-in at the hotel.


    Awards


    VADA Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation

    John D. McGavin of McGavin
    Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz, P.C.

    The Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys is honored to announce John D. McGavin of McGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz, P.C., as this year’s recipient of the VADA’s Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation! The Award honors a distinguished jurist, civil litigator, or other appropriate person who exhibit the highest standards of ethics, demeanor and temperament; exemplary conduct inside and outside the courtroom; courtesy and fairness in dealing with others; and work of the highest quality. 

    We will present John with this Award during the Annual Meeting on October 26. Congratulations, John, on an honor well deserved!


    VADA/VTLA Award for Civility and Professionalism

    Thomas J. Curcio
    Curcio Law
     

    The VADA Board of Directors is pleased to announce Thomas J. Curcio of Curcio Law as the recipient of the 2023 VADA-VTLA Civility and Professionalism Award! Now in its eighth year, this Award, which is given each year by the VADA to a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and by the VTLA to a member of the VADA, honors an attorney who exhibits the highest degree of civility and professionalism in the practice of law and, through his or her interaction with others, promotes the highest levels of competence, integrity, and ethical conduct in the legal profession.

    We will present Tom with this Award during the Annual Meeting on October 26. Congratulations, Tom, on an honor well deserved!


    Wednesday Night Dine Arounds

    Enjoy dinner while networking with new or long-time VADA friends. See the restaurant choices and sign up here. It is Dutch treat, with each participant paying for their own meal. If your plans change, please edit your Sign Up, or contact your meal host listed.

    Bon Appetit!


    Womens' Section Dinner


    Join the Women’s Section for dinner during the Annual Meeting!  Following the Rooftop Reception on Thursday, October 26, please join the Women’s Section at Cobalt Grille at 7:30 pm for an evening of fine dining among friends.  Cost to attend is $50 per person and you can add it to your online registration. 

    If you have already registered for the meeting, email agilbody@vada.org, to add this to your meeting registration.


    Community Service Project



    In conjunction with our meeting, VADA is collecting monetary and in-kind donations for Connect with a Wish. Connect With a Wish connects the wishes and needs of children in Virginia Beach foster care with the generosity of our community and provides the resources and support needed to give these children the opportunity to grow into positive and productive members of our community. See our flyer for requested items.


    Wellness Committee Activities

    Wellness Challenge
    September 23 - October 20

    Are you ready to take your wellness journey to the next level? We invite you to participate in the VADA 2023 Wellness Challenge, where you can join fellow members in a fun and friendly competition while enhancing your overall well-being. Prizes will be awarded at the Annual Meeting.

    The challenge is open to all VADA members, even those not attending the Annual Meeting.  The challenge will run from September 23, 2023, to October 20, 2023 and you can join here.


    Young Lawyer's Section


    The Young Lawyers Section is planning an informal get-together on Thursday before the Networking Reception. Join the fun starting at 5:00 PM at Tulu Seaside Bar. This event is self-pay. 

    Questions?

    If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting, please contact VADA Director of Meetings, Amy Gilbody, at agilbody@vada.org.


    Sponsors










    Contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org for sponsorship information.

    • 08 Nov 2023
    • 12:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Pediatric Life Care Planning and Earning Capacity Analysis: Foundational Similarities for an Evidence-Based Approach

    Sponsored by InQuis Global

    Betsy Keesler, BSN, RN, CLCP
    InQuis Global

    Michael Fryar, M.S., CRC, RN, CCM, QRP, CLCP
    InQuis Global

    This presentation will examine the core foundations for building both an evidence-based pediatric life care plan and an earning capacity analysis. 

     A review of the necessary standards, guidelines, and/or consensus statements for these evaluations will be outlined.

    The event is free to VADA members and potential members. 


    • 01 Dec 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
    • Drive Shack, 1647 Four Rings Drive, Richmond, VA 23233
    Register


    This is a must-attend event for newer attorneys, who will learn the practical information needed to practice civil defense law.  Sessions are taught by experienced members of the civil defense bar and the judiciary. 

    We are offering a different agenda than 2022, so attend again and don't miss the networking reception and golf fun at the end of our program. 

    Draft Agenda

    Coming Soon.

    Registration

    The registration fee is $300 and includes all CLEs, lunch, and networking reception. New members joining VADA will have their first-year membership fee waived for 2024.  First membership bill will be sent January 2025.  Cancellations accepted until November 18.  Substitutions welcome anytime.

    We do not have a block of hotel rooms reserved for this event, but there are numerous hotel options nearby. 

    Meeting Sponsors


            


            To learn about meeting sponsorship, contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org.

    • 15 Mar 2024
    • 1:00 PM
    • 16 Mar 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • Jepson Alumni Center at University of Richmond, 442 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173


    Two-day mock trial where the first 16 registered attorneys will be assigned as co-counsel for the plaintiff or defendant, so register early. Remaining registrants will play expert witnesses and providing feedback. Coaching, ahead of the event and on-site, will be provided by experienced members of the defense bar. Virginia judges will preside and provide constructive feedback throughout the trial.

    Registration includes case file, all written materials, networking reception, continental breakfast, & box lunch. 

    Agenda

    Friday, March 15

    1:00 – 5:00       Coaching – Teams meet with coaches and witnesses. Counsel will arrange briefing of witnesses to fit all schedules. Rooms are available at the Delta.        

    5:00 – 6:00       Preserving Error in the Trial Court and Beyond
       

    6:00 – 7:00       Networking Reception

    Saturday, March 16

    8:00 – 8:30     Continental Breakfast

    8:30 – 8:45     Morning Briefing

    8:45 – 3:45     Moot Courts

    Registration

    Registration for this unique event is limited and fills quickly.  New members, registration includes your first-year membership in VADA.  No membership bill sent until 2025.  Contact Sherma Mather at smather@vada.org for details. We may need a few volunteers to act as a witness at Saturday's trial (friend, family, etc.) Volunteer witnesses are invited to attend the reception and meals as our guest. 

    Cancellations accepted until February 28, minus a $50 service fee.  Substitutions welcome anytime.

    Sponsors




    For sponsorship information, contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org

    • 01 May 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • 03 May 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • The Virginian Hotel, 712 Church Street, Lynchburg 24504

    NEW LOCATION


    The Virginian Hotel
    Lynchburg

    Join us for our annual specialized litigation sections training.

    Agenda and meeting information coming Spring 2024

    Sponsors


    For sponsorship information, please contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org.

    • 23 Oct 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • 25 Oct 2024
    • 1:00 PM
    • Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185

    NEW LOCATION


    Kingsmill Resort
    Williamsburg

    Registration and information coming summer 2024.

    SPONSORS

    Contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org for sponsorship information.

Past events

14 Sep 2023 Tidewater Region Networking Reception
14 Sep 2023 Lawyer Moms Lunch & Learn
23 Aug 2023 2023 Paralegal Seminar
15 Aug 2023 Nutrition Tips for Busy Attorneys Lunch & Learn
07 Jun 2023 Making Social Media Work for You
01 Jun 2023 Capitol Region Networking Reception
18 May 2023 Potomac Region Networking Reception
03 May 2023 2023 Spring Sections Seminar
19 Apr 2023 Southwest Region Networking Reception
03 Mar 2023 2023 Deposition Workshop
10 Jan 2023 Women's Section Informal Chat
02 Dec 2022 2022 Young Lawyers Boot Camp
12 Oct 2022 2022 Annual Meeting
28 Sep 2022 Potomac Region Networking Reception
09 Aug 2022 You Don't Need to Do It All Lunch & Learn
08 Aug 2022 2022 Paralegal Seminar
03 Aug 2022 Southwest Region Networking Reception
29 Jun 2022 Meet the Author Lunch & Learn
23 Jun 2022 Capitol Region Networking Reception
24 May 2022 Foundational Requirements for the Life Care Plan Lunch & Learn
04 May 2022 2022 Spring Sections Seminar
31 Mar 2022 Why Do Bad Things Happen to People In “Good” Cars?
18 Mar 2022 2022 Trial Tactics Workshop
28 Feb 2022 Productivity and Pandemic Practice Lunch & Learn
15 Feb 2022 Virtual Scavenger Hunt
12 Jan 2022 Utilizing Forensic Engineers Lunch & Learn
15 Dec 2021 Meet Your Executive Committee Lunch & Learn
03 Dec 2021 2021 Young Lawyers Boot Camp
30 Nov 2021 New Appellate Landscape Lunch & Learn
20 Oct 2021 2021 Annual Meeting
06 Oct 2021 Southwest Region Networking Reception
08 Sep 2021 Retaining, Developing, and Safely Navigating Expert Witness Testimony Lunch & Learn
25 Aug 2021 Memory Skills for Lawyers Lunch & Learn
28 Jul 2021 2021 Paralegal Seminar
21 Jul 2021 Biomechanics Lunch & Learn
23 Jun 2021 Balancing the Billable and the Non-Billable Lunch & Learn
19 May 2021 Of Courtiers and Princes Lunch & Learn
05 May 2021 2021 Spring Sections Seminar
14 Apr 2021 Through the Eyes of the Insured Lunch & Learn
17 Mar 2021 How to be a Valuable Asset to Your Firm Lunch & Learn
16 Mar 2021 Young Lawyers Virtual Social Hour
12 Mar 2021 Deposition Workshop
24 Feb 2021 Client Development and Client Maintenance: Thriving in the New Normal
16 Feb 2021 Virtual Scavenger Hunt
10 Feb 2021 Voir Dire Lunch & Learn
13 Jan 2021 How to Effectively Bill Your Time
15 Dec 2020 POSTPONED TO 2021 - Virtual Bingo
04 Dec 2020 2020 Young Lawyers Boot Camp WEBINAR
17 Nov 2020 Fall Webinar
14 Oct 2020 2020 Annual Meeting
15 Sep 2020 VADA Virtual Trivia Night
07 Aug 2020 2020 Advanced Expert Witness Workshop (NEW DATE)
01 Jul 2020 2020 Paralegal Seminar (Postponed to 2021)
03 Jun 2020 VADA Virtual Trivia Night
21 May 2020 Coronavirus and Insurance Coverage - What Attorneys Need to Know
20 May 2020 MOVED TO JUNE 3 - VADA Potomac Virtual Trivia Night
14 May 2020 2020 Spring Sections Seminar Webinar
13 May 2020 Mindfulness and Meditation for Pandemics and Skeptics
30 Apr 2020 Cloud Services: Avoid Security Pitfalls Without Compromising User Experience
23 Apr 2020 2020 Southwestern Region Virtual Happy Hour
22 Apr 2020 Working from Home in a Defense Practice
21 Apr 2020 CHAIR YOGA CLASS
16 Apr 2020 Remote Mediation and Arbitration
09 Apr 2020 COVID-19: Important Employment Issues for Your Firm
04 Apr 2020 VADA VTLA Joint Letter
19 Mar 2020 A Look At Remote Deposition Capabilities Webinar
27 Feb 2020 2020 Capitol Region VADA & ACC Networking Reception
13 Dec 2019 2019 Young Lawyers Boot Camp
02 Oct 2019 2019 Annual Meeting
10 Sep 2019 Tidewater Region Networking Reception - Rescheduled Date
05 Sep 2019 Tidewater Region Networking Reception
08 Aug 2019 Blue Ridge Region Networking Reception
07 Aug 2019 2019 Paralegal Seminar
21 May 2019 Southwest Region Networking Reception
16 May 2019 Potomac Region Networking Happy Hour
08 May 2019 Guest Speakers for 2019 Spring Sections Seminar
08 May 2019 2019 Spring Sections Seminar
15 Mar 2019 2019 Trial Tactics Workshop
06 Feb 2019 Capitol Region Networking Reception
07 Dec 2018 2018 Young Lawyers Boot Camp
10 Oct 2018 Annual Meeting and 50th Anniversary Celebration
10 May 2018 2018 Spring Sections Seminar
16 Mar 2018 2018 Deposition Workshop

PAST WEBINARS

Many past meetings were recorded and can be found on the members-only area 
of our website here (login required).  


Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys

11533 Busy Street, #327

N. Chesterfield, VA 23236

804-649-1002

Executive Director: Sherma Mather

Director of Meetings: Amy Gilbody

Journal of Civil Litigation Managing Editor: Molly Terry

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