VADA Days at the King Family Vineyards Polo Match and The Norfolk Tides, Paralegal Seminar, Annual Meeting, and more. |
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VADA Defense Line
August 2024
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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
It’s started finally, the school buses are running and the
school bell is ringing. In a sense, it’s
also back to school for VADA. VADA is
primarily devoted to providing enhanced resources for defense practitioners to
ply their trade in the Courts of the Commonwealth. A single constant has always been VADA’s
dedication to CLE offerings, but following close behind are our social
gatherings where we can put our briefcases and laptops down and enjoy each
other’s company. We have both CLE and
social events coming fast in the fall.
On September 10, we have the Paralegal Seminar. It promises to be a great starting point for
paralegals new to the defense practice and can serve to help experienced staff
brush up on new developments.
For our newly minted defense members, we have the Young
Lawyer’s Boot Camp on December 6, at the Virginia Museum of History and
Culture. This seminar is a unique
opportunity to get a head start for newly admitted lawyers and those new to a
defense practice!
Between the two, we have our 2024 Annual Meeting at
Kingsmill in Williamsburg. Rachel
Horvath and the members of the Annual Meeting Committee have put together a
wonderful agenda for us that will blend the educational and social together for
us. Mark your calendars and register
for the meeting on October 23-25.
Socially, the calendar is also full. On August 29, keep our VADA colleagues
in mind as they challenge the VTLA in golf.
On September 8, the Blue Ridge Region has organized a gathering for all members that
involves a winery and polo in Charlottesville.
Lastly, the Tidewater Regional gathering will be at Harbor Park in
Norfolk. We invite all members to grab a ball cap and a glove and
join us on September 17.
Please keep an eye on the events tab and sign up for any and
all events that catch your eye. James A. Cales III
VADA President 2023-24 |
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VADA NETWORKING EVENT
POLO AT KING FAMILY VINEYARDS
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Sunday, September 8
12 – 4 PM ORGANIZED BY THE BLUE RIDGE REGION
Sponsored by |
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All VADA members are invited to 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.
The cost is $25 per adult (children are free) and includes tents, lunch, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and wine tasting. Wine is also available for purchase onsite. Families are welcome to provide their own food and drinks as well. Visit the event website for more details and to register. |
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September 10
Zoom
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. Sessions include:
The Rules of Engagement: Primer on Federal and State Court Rules Who’s Who? How to Effectively and Efficiently Research Jurors Tips and Best Practices for Assisting with Document Review & Production - Trials 101: A Paralegal’s Role in Trial Prep and Trial
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VADA Night at the Norfolk Tides
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September 17
Gates open at 5:30 PM. First pitch at 6:35 PM. ORGANIZED BY THE TIDEWATER REGION
Sponsored by |
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The Tidewater Region is excited to invite all VADA members to cheer on the Norfolk Tides as they take on their rivals, the Nashville Sounds. It's a fantastic opportunity to network, unwind, and enjoy America’s favorite pastime together. Tickets provided courtesy of Planet Depos. Plus, you’re welcome to bring a guest—whether it’s a coworker, friend, or family member!
Please RSVP by Friday, September 6, to secure your spot. Seats are limited, so don’t miss out!
We look forward to seeing you there! ⚾ |
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VADA will return to the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg this Fall. We are excited to be back and have an excellent agenda, which includes:
- Motions Practice 101
- The Art of Persuasive Arguments in the Courtroom
- ChatGPT and other AI in the Practice of Law
- Creating Good Relationships with Opposing Counsel
- Elimination of Bias: Racial Bias Challenges in the Legal System
- The Lawyer's Role in Helping Clients Survive Litigation
- Navigating Occupational Risks to Practicing Law
You can also book your hotel room using the online booking link on the meeting website. As a resort property, Kingsmill offers various room types and locations, some with limited availability so book your preferred room today. Our discounted room block will close the earlier October 1, or when it fills, so book now. |
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December 6
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
(New Location)
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 2023, so attend again.
Stay on after our program to attend the museum's popular First Fridays program, where the museum offers free admission to the galleries, specials in the Café, access to food trucks, live music, and a cash bar. |
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VADA has become aware of a publication error in the latest version of the code. This error impacts all attorneys handling motor vehicle cases. Please take note.
As you may recall, VADA lobbied against SB256 during the 2024 legislative session. The bill created a cause of action for bad faith claims against an uninsured or underinsured motorist carrier. While the bill ultimately passed, VADA and others that lobbied against the bill were able to secure certain safeguards. Chief among them was the provision that the amendments to the code would not be retroactive. The specific language was as follows:
That the provisions of this act amending §§ 8.01-66.1 and 38.2-2206 of the Code of Virginia shall apply to any claim for personal injury or wrongful death arising out of a motor vehicle accident that occurs on or after July 1, 2024.
While all of the other changes are reflected in the versions of the statutes contained within the most recent pocket-part of the code, the online version published by Lexis, and the online version published by Westlaw; the language cited above is not included in any of those sources within the statutory text. In the 2024 pocket part, there is an Editor’s Note reflecting the intention that the amendments do not apply to accidents before July 1, 2024. The correct version of the law can be found in the following locations:
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Lexis
Legislative Alert Service
└ Acts Affecting this Document
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Westlaw
Credits
└ Acts & Chapters
└ 2024, c.781
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Additionally, a copy of the slip law as enacted by the General Assembly is available on the General Assembly’s website and is linked here: Virginia Acts of Assembly -- 2024 Reconvened Session, Chapter 781. |
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Please join the Women’s Section on the Thursday evening of the Annual Meeting for a Paint & Sip. An art instructor will lead an informal art class where each of us will paint a canvas from start to finish, while enjoying pizza, beverages, and each other’s company. No art experience required. The event will take place on-site at Kingsmill and supplies will be provided. The cost to attend is $25 and can be selected as an option during your Annual Meeting registration.
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This Maysville, Kentucky, native loves mountain hikes and being
surrounded by nature. Her advice to new attorneys? Get
involved! For this, and much more, on this month’s VADA Spotlighted
Member, click here. |
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Ashim Bhandari
Kiernan Trebach
James Brooks
Newport News City Attorney’s Office
Bonnie Brown
Alexandria City Attorney’s Office
Vanessa Carter
Newport News City Attorney’s Office
Jessica Choate
Kiernan Trebach
Shannon Jones
Newport News City Attorney’s Office
Makailah Lee
Kiernan Trebach
Jackson Morgan
Protogyrou Law
Sam Sluss
Kiernan Trebach
Sarah Vardian
Kiernan Trebach
Macon Whitson
Newport News City Attorney’s Office Michele Wojcik
McAngus Goudelock |
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Stay Hydrated!
Although we might find ourselves at our desks in air-conditioned buildings more than we find ourselves outside in the August heat, hydration remains vital to our wellbeing and survival and can also help improve physical and cognitive performance.
The human body comprises approximately 60% water; therefore it is no surprise that water is essential to the body’s proper functioning. At a basic level, water helps regulate body temperature, remove waste, and protect organs. Proper hydration also helps improve sleep, cognition, and mood.
Experts recommend that women drink between 9-11 cups of water per day, and that men drink 13-16. In the United States, average water intake is just around one third of the recommended amount. Some alternatives to plain water to help improve intake include fruit and vegetables, or flavored or sparkling waters. Sports drinks can also be a good option if you are exercising and sweating a lot; however, the nutrients they offer are generally lost quickly, making them just another sugary beverage with little nutritional value if consumed day-to-day rather than to replenish the body during a workout. While coffee and tea also offer some hydration when consumed in small quantities, they contain caffeine which can have a dehydrating effect if consumed in large amounts, particularly if you are not consuming enough water.
Staying hydrated not only benefits physical function and performance, but it also improves brain function. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can impair brain function. Dehydration can also lead to headaches, impaired mood and memory, and increased feelings of anxiety and fatigue, all of which limit productivity.* On the other hand, staying properly hydrated can improve attention, concentration, and short-term memory.**
* Riebl, Susan, et al. The Hydration Equation: Update on Water Balance and Cognitive Performance. ACSMs Health Fit. J. (November/December 2013)
** Trinies, Victoria, et al. Effects of Water Provision and Hydration on Cognitive Function among Primary-School Pupils in Zambia: A Randomized Trial. PlosS One (March 2016). |
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Join our social media sites where we post current court updates, relevant legal developments, and much, much more!
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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. |
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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 Editor: Molly Terry |
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