Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys upcoming events

2026 Young Lawyers Boot Camp (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

SPONSORED BY THE YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION
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 2024, so you should attend again.

Agenda

REQUESTING 6.5 HRS (1.0 HR ETHICS)

9:30-10:30 Navigating Your Way through Virginia General District and Circuit Courts and other Practical Tips in Civil Litigation

10:30-11:30 The Survivor's Guide to Expert Witnesses

11:45-12:45 Ethical Issues in Civil Defense Practice (1.0 HR Ethics)

12:45-1:15 Box Lunch

1:15-2:15 Effective Advocacy in Mediation

2:30-3:15 Written Discovery

3:15-4:00 Insurance Coverage in Automobile Cases

4:15-5:15 Judicial Advice for New Lawyers Panel Discussion

5:15 Optional Virginia Museum of History and Culture First Fridays Event

Enjoy free admission to the galleries, specials in the Café, Holiday Makers Market, access to food trucks, and live music.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL AGENDA

Sponsors

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

2027 Trial Tactics Workshop (12 Mar 2027)

Fri, 12 Mar 2027 18:00:00 GMT

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON

Plan to attend our 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 provide 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 12

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 Jepson Center.

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

6:00 – 7:00 Networking Reception

Saturday, March 13

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 2028. 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, but substitutions are welcome anytime.

Sponsors

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

2027 Spring Sections Seminar (05 May 2027)

Wed, 05 May 2027 22:00:00 GMT

Agenda

Coming Soon

Registration

Coming Soon

Hotel

Hotel 24 South
Staunton

Sponsors

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

2027 Annual Meeting (06 Oct 2027)

Wed, 06 Oct 2027 22:00:00 GMT

2027 Annual Meeting
Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Further information will be posted in 2027.

2028 Spring Sections Seminar (03 May 2028)

Wed, 03 May 2028 22:00:00 GMT

Information and Registration coming in 2028

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 2029. 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

Coming Soon

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. If your plans change, please edit your Sign Up, or contact your meal host listed.

Hotel

The Virginian Hotel
Lynchburg

Coming Soon

Women's Section Dinner

Wellness Committee

Sponsors

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

2028 Annual Meeting (11 Oct 2028)

Wed, 11 Oct 2028 22:00:00 GMT

2028 Annual Meeting

Further information will be posted in 2028