Women's Section Lunch & Learn, Paralegal Seminar, Tidewater Networking Event, and more.

VADA Defense Line
August 2026

This year’s program offers 9.0 CLE hours, including 3.0 Ethics hours (pending), along with valuable opportunities to reconnect with colleagues from across the Commonwealth.

The agenda is packed with practical programming designed for defense attorneys, including sessions on Virginia’s new Rule 3:8 and serial pleadings, recurring expert witnesses and IMEs, appellate strategy, spoliation, examinations under oath, legal malpractice trends, handling the unexpected at deposition and trial, evaluating case value, appellate pitfalls, and sanctions. Thursday afternoon will also feature two hours of Litigation Section breakout programming, allowing attendees to choose sessions most relevant to their practice.

The Annual Meeting is about more than CLE. The week begins Wednesday evening with the President’s Welcome Reception, Dine Arounds, and Late Night, followed on Thursday by the Awards Luncheon, Young Lawyers Informal Gathering, Bench-Bar Reception at the Taubman Museum of Art, Women’s Section Dinner and another Late Night.

Don’t wait to make your plans. The VADA discounted room block at the Hotel Roanoke is available only through September 20, subject to availability, and rooms may fill before the deadline. Reserve your hotel room now to ensure you don’t miss one of VADA’s most important events of the year.

We look forward to seeing you in Roanoke this October!

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.

Only a few seats remain!

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.

September 30
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Norfolk Seafood Co.

Join us for an evening of networking, drinks, snacks, and exciting raffle prizes provided by our sponsor, Planet Depos. For an extra raffle ticket, bring a colleague who is not yet a VADA member.

The event is free for members and potential members, but registration is requested.

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.

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.

Brandon Galindo
Moran Reeves Conn

Caitlin Mitchell
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani

This Greenville, South Carolina, native is a devoted husband and new dad, who loves to cook, read (when he can), and spend time with family. His favorite piece of career advice? Do something you enjoy. 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.

September 1
Women's Section Lunch & Learn
Virtual

September 10
Paralegal Seminar
Henrico

September 30
Tidewater Regional Event
Norfolk Seafood Co.

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.