2025 Paralegal Seminar

Empowering Civil Defense Paralegals in the Modern Litigation Landscape

We will meet in person this year with an updated agenda!

We will meet in the Innsbrook area of Richmond, and your registration includes lunch and a networking reception.

A must-attend event for paralegals of all levels working in civil defense firms. This one-day webinar is designed to hone your skills as a valuable member of your legal team. Instructors include attorneys and senior paralegals from several Virginia defense firms. 

Draft Agenda

10:00 AM – Welcome Remarks

• Lindsay Rollins, Esq., VADA President, The Progressive Group

10:05 AM – 10:30 AM – An Overview of the Paralegal’s Role in Civil Litigation

• ·       Overview of civil litigation phases: pre-trial, trial, post-trial
• ·       Drafting pleadings, motions, and legal correspondence
• ·       Coordinating with clients, witnesses, and experts
• ·       Maintaining litigation calendars and deadlines
• ·       Ensuring compliance with court procedures
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• Abby Baker, Beacon Hill Legal
  Pam Khoury, Hancock Daniel
• Phylicia Preston, Esq., VADA Women’s Section Vice Chair, The Progressive Group

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM – The Rules of Engagement – Federal and State Court Rules

• ·       Where to find federal, state, and local rules
• ·       Key rules every litigation paralegal should know
• ·       Understanding rule amendments and recent changes
• ·       Practical tips for rule compliance
• ·       How to adapt to varying local court customs and expectations
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• James A. Cales, Esq., VADA Immediate Past President, Furniss Davis Rashkind & Saunders

11:15 AM – 11:45 PM – Best Practices for Document Review and Production

• ·       How to collect, organize, review and produce documents from parties as well as non-parties
• ·       Will include privileges to be aware of, Virginia spoliation laws, and federal production/preservation issues
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• Lindsay Rollins, Esq., VADA President, The Progressive Group

11:45 PM – 12:15 PM – Lunch Break (Provided)

• ·       Buffet lunch
• ·       Networking and Visit sponsor/vendor tables

12:15 PM – 12:45 PM – Working with Expert Witnesses       

• • ·       Learn the critical role expert witnesses play in litigation and how their testimony can influence case outcomes.
  • ·       Understand how paralegals support experts—from selection and vetting to scheduling and communication.
  • ·       Discover best practices for preparing expert packets, organizing materials, and tracking deadlines.
  • ·       Gain tips for managing depositions, trial prep, and ethical boundaries in expert interactions.
  • ·       Walk away with practical tools like checklists, logs, and workflows to streamline expert witness coordination.
• Julie Palmer, Esq., VADA Past President, Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman
  Kyle Richards, Envista Forensics

12:45 PM – 2:00 PM – AI and Automation Tools for Paralegals

• ·       Overview of AI tools
• ·       Legal research
• ·       E-discovery tools and automated document review
• ·       Document review & contract analysis
• ·       Transcript & deposition analysis
• ·       AI-driven case management, software, and practice management
• ·       Make the most of Outlook features
• ·       Ethical considerations and best practices
• ·       Real-world examples of AI assisting paralegal teams
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• Gracemarie Braunberg, Planet Depos
  Ashely Davoli, Esq., Moran Reeves Conn
• Jessica Glickman, Moran Reeves Conn
• Landon Roberts, Planet Depos

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM – Afternoon Break

• ·       Light refreshments
• ·       Final opportunity to network or visit vendors

2:15 PM – 3:30 PM – Trials 101 – Bringing Value to Trial Prep and Trial

• ·       Creating a trial timeline and checklist
• ·       Jury research strategies and voir dire support
• ·       Building and organizing the trial binder
• ·       Use of demonstratives and technology in the courtroom
• ·       Coordinating logistics (witnesses, exhibits, tech)
• ·       “Air traffic controller” role during trial
• ·       Trial Toolkit essentials: what every paralegal should have
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• Taylor Brewer, Esq., VADA Treasurer, Moran Reeves Conn
  Brian Coleman, In2Trial
• Kim Davis, Moran Reeves Conn

3:30 PM – 3:45 PM – Paralegal Certifications – Do They Matter?

• ·       Overview of major certification bodies and their differences
• ·       How certification can enhance job opportunities and salary
• ·       Requirements and costs of each credential
• ·       Study resources and exam prep strategies
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• • Jessica Glickman, Moran Reeves Conn
    Pam Khoury, Hancock Daniel

3:45 – 4:00 PM – Sponsor Raffle & Closing Remarks

4:00 – 5:00 PM – Networking Reception, hosted by Commonwealth of Virginia Paralegal Association and the University of Richmond Paralegal Studies Program

Sponsors

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