Capitol Region Networking Reception, Award Winners, and more.

VADA Defense Line
May 2024

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Greetings and Happy Spring!

Earlier this month, we celebrated together at the Spring Meeting in Lynchburg at the Hotel Virginian.  By all accounts, the meeting was a great success and a wonderful time. Thank you to the presenters, vendors, section chairs and vice chairs who all pulled together to put on an excellent meeting. Of course, the usual excellent work by Sherma Mather and Amy Gilbody, often behind the scenes and weeks in advance, was critical in the success of yet another Spring Meeting.

Shortly before the Spring Meeting began, the awards committee met to decide the winners of the diversity scholarship, the VADA-VTLA Civility Award, and the Excellence in Civil Litigation Award.  The Diversity Scholarship was awarded to Isabel Carvalho, a University of Richmond Law Student.  Malcolm "Mic" McConnell of Allen, Allen, Allen, and Allen was selected to receive the VADA-VTLA Civility Award.  Last, but not least, Alan Brody Rashkind was selected to receive the Excellence in Civil Litigation Award.  Please join me in congratulating these colleagues on these well-deserved honors.  For more details, please view the VADA social media pages on LinkedIn and Facebook.

On May 30 we will also have our annual party at the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach. We invite members who are from the area, or will be at the beach, to join us.  Please RSVP to Sherma Mather at smather@vada.org if you would like to attend.

We will also be having our regional meet-ups/happy hours.  Please keep your eyes peeled on social media and stay in touch with your regional director for times, dates, and places.

James A. Cales III
VADA President 2023-24

You are invited to join fellow VADA members from your area for networking, food and fun, courtesy of our sponsor, Planet Depos.

Capitol Region
June 13
Bar West
Richmond

Events are being planned for other regions, so watch your email for further details.

After months of tumultuous back and forth, Virginia’s government leaders finally reached a budget compromise on May 13.

Democrats held strong on some of their key initiatives, including increased spending on K-12 education and teacher pay raises. Additionally, the budget provides more than $300M in supplemental funds for higher education and $26.5 million for the Innovative Internship Fund Program, which will help businesses connect with undergraduate students. Additionally, the budget includes funds to support an increase in the Tuition Assistance Grant program.

For Governor Youngkin, two big victories came from what members agreed not to legislate in the budget. First, legislators removed language that would have required Virginia to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a key issue for his conservative supporters. Second, legislators removed language from the original budget that would have established a new digital sales tax, which would have extended the sales tax to a wide range of software and IT services used by Virginia businesses.

Another much anticipated legislative item was skill games. Legislators used budget language to leave the door open for the state to disperse funds for the administration, regulation, enforcement, and oversight of skill games, should a bill be passed down the road. Another special session could occur later this year for revenue bills, which would incorporate skill games legislation.

While the budget itself was the result of a lot of negotiating, the compromise was mostly made possible by the stronger-than-expected windfall in revenue collections as well as the use of debt. This allowed for Virginia’s mandated “balanced budget” without the need for any tax policy adjustments. Ultimately, all sides are walking away with something they can take back to constituents as a “win” - while leaving lots on the table to haggle over in next year’s caboose budget and statewide elections. 

The Women’s Section enjoyed a fun dinner together during the Spring Meeting.  Thanks to all who joined!  Stay tuned for information on our networking event at the Annual Meeting in Williamsburg in October.   

The Women’s Section is preparing a letter to send to chief judges in the Commonwealth, raising awareness about pumping accommodations in courthouses.  Our goal is to respectfully request that courts consider publishing on their websites and in their buildings, the resources available for any woman – juror, witness, attorney, bailiff, etc. – who uses the courthouse and needs to pump.  If you are interested in helping with this initiative, please contact Taylor Brewer at tbrewer@moranreevesconn.com. 

Be sure to bookmark VADA Upcoming Events so you don't miss out.

May 30
Annual Summer Party
Virginia Beach

May 31
Board Meeting
Virginia Beach

October 23
Board Meeting
Kingsmill, Williamsburg

October 23-25
Annual Meeting
Kingsmill, Williamsburg

December 6
Young Lawyers Boot Camp
Richmond

2025

March 14-15
Mediation Workshop
Richmond

This Newark, Delaware, native and father of two loves golf and spending time with his family.  The folks at his firm can tell you how often he channels his inner Josh Lyman!  For this, and more, on this month’s VADA Spotlighted Member, click here.

Missed A Webinar
or Meeting?

Did you know that many VADA Lunch & Learn webinars and online programs are available to watch on-demand? Click here to see the library of available content, which can be found in the members-only area of our website.

Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation

Alan B. Rashkind
Furniss, Davis, Raskind & Saunders, P.C.

The Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys is honored to announce Alan B. Rashkind of Furniss, Davis, Raskind & Saunders, P.C., as this year’s recipient of the VADA’s Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation!

A graduate of Randolph-Macon College and the University of Virginia School of Law, Alan has been practicing law since 1972. Over the course of his career, he has set the standard for zealous advocacy and success as a civil litigator. Alan is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the Virginia Law Foundation, and the American Bar Foundation. He is a charter member of the I’Anson-Hoffman American Inn of Court and a charter member and past Chair of the Boyd-Graves Conference of the Virginia State Bar.

Alan has been recognized by his peers as one of Virginia’s Legal Elite, a Virginia Super Lawyer, and among both the Best Lawyers in America and Virginia’s Best Lawyers. On three separate occasions, 2024 being the most recent, Best Lawyers has named Alan the Lawyer of the Year in Norfolk, Virginia, in the area of Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants). However contentious the case, Alan treats everyone involved with candor, courtesy, and respect. In 2019, the Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association honored Alan with the prestigious Eggleston/I’Anson Professionalism Award. The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association honored Alan with its VTLA-VADA Civility and Professionalism Award in 2022.

Alan further is a gifted scholar, mentor, and teacher. He served for ten years as an Adjunct Professor at the William & Mary Law School. He is a co-author of the Virginia Insurance Case Finder, an essential treatise for practitioners of Virginia insurance law. Throughout his career, Alan has made it a priority to give back to his community, serving as a member and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College and as a founding trustee of the Chesapeake Bay Academy, a private school in Virginia Beach for students with learning differences.

As those who know him will attest, Alan brings to every matter he handles “intellectual virtuosity, strategic vision, and candid, timely advice. When a difficult case arises, … his voice on the other end of the phone has brought immediate reassurance that his client’s interests will be protected.” Alan’s business clients “often become personal clients, who place their utmost trust in him to handle the most delicate matters with discretion, levity, and upright zeal.” The Preamble to the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct provides that “[a] lawyer should strive to attain the highest level of skill, to improve the law and the legal profession, and to exemplify the legal profession’s ideals of public service.” “These are aspirational goals that most lawyers will not live up to over the course of their careers, even after decades of practice. Alan exemplifies all of them.”

We will present the Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation to Alan on October 24 during our Annual Meeting at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg. Please join us in congratulating Alan!

VADA-VTLA Civility and Professionalism Award

Malcolm “Mic” McConnell
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen

The VADA Board of Directors is pleased to announce Malcolm “Mic” McConnell of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen in Richmond as the recipient of the 2024 VADA-VTLA Civility and Professionalism Award! Now in its ninth 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 Mic with this Award during our Annual Meeting at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg on October 24. Congratulations, Mic, on an honor well deserved!

Please welcome our newest VADA members!

Brian Han
Hancock Daniel

Brittney Williams
Selective

Top 5 Shelf-Stable Desk Snacks
for Attorney Wellness

Maintaining wellness as an attorney can be challenging given the demanding nature of the profession. Amid tight deadlines and long hours, it’s essential to have healthy snacks on hand to sustain energy and focus. Here are the top five shelf-stable snacks that can enhance your well-being right at your desk, in your briefcase or in the break room.

1. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds, are nutrient powerhouses. They are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help keep you full and focused. Additionally, they contain omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health.

2. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit, such as apricots, raisins, and cranberries, is a convenient and long-lasting option. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, offering a sweet and nutritious alternative to sugary snacks. Pairing dried fruit with nuts can provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates and protein.

3. Whole Grain Crackers

Whole grain crackers are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. They can be paired with shelf-stable nut butter for a more substantial snack. Look for options that are low in added sugars and made with whole grains to maximize health benefits.

4. Dark Chocolate

For those moments when you crave something sweet, dark chocolate is a healthier alternative to regular chocolate. It’s rich in antioxidants and can improve mood and cognitive function. Aim for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to maximize health benefits.

5. Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and satisfying snack that is high in protein and fiber. They come in a variety of flavors and can be a great alternative to chips or other less healthy snacks. Roasted chickpeas are also low in fat, making them a nutritious choice.

Incorporating these shelf-stable snacks into your daily routine can help you maintain energy levels, improve concentration, and support overall wellness. Smart snacking habits and healthier choices is a small step that makes a big difference over time. The Wellness Committee encourages each of our members to make some new healthy choices to fuel the rigors of your legal practice and improve your overall health and wellness.

Join our social media sites where we post current court updates, relevant legal developments, and much, much more!  

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.

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

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe at any time