Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys upcoming events

Women's Section Lunch & Learn - Lessons from the Journey: Paths, Pivots, and Perspectives (01 Sep 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join the Women’s Section on September 1 for a virtual Lunch & Learn featuring an accomplished panel of women attorneys from diverse practice settings and stages
of their careers.


Colleen Gentile	Lindsay Rollins	Imani Sowell
Wimbish Gentile McCray & Roeber	The Progressive Group	Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman

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.

2026 Paralegal Seminar (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:45:00 GMT

Civil Defense Skills for Virginia Paralegals

We will meet in the Short Pump 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.

We are offering a different agenda than last year, so plan to attend again.

Agenda

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration and Coffee

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Virginia Civil Litigation Overview for Paralegals

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Break and Sponsor Visits

11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Tips for Capturing Your Billable Hours, and Getting Them Paid

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Discovery Management, Document Control, and Technology

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch and Sponsor Visits

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Ethics & Professional Responsibility for Paralegals

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Wellness and Work-Life Balance for Paralegals

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Break and Sponsor Visits

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Trial Preparation for Civil Defense Cases

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM
Pearls of Wisdom Panel Discussion

4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Raffle and Networking Reception

Polo at King Family Vineyards Networking Event (11 Oct 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Polo at King Family Vineyards
October 11

2026 Annual Meeting (21 Oct 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON

AGENDA

Requesting 9.0 CLE Hours

Wednesday, October 21

6:00 PM – President's Welcome Reception
7:30 PM – Dine Arounds
9:30–11:00 PM – Late Night

Thursday, October 22

8:00 AM – Registration and Buffet Breakfast
8:00 AM – Past Presidents' Breakfast
8:55 AM – Welcome and General Session
9:00–10:00 AM – General Assembly Briefing
10:00–11:00 AM – Virginia Supreme Court Rule 3:8 Governing Responsive Pleadings
11:00–11:15 AM – Break
11:15 AM–12:15 PM – Expert Witnesses
12:15–2:15 PM – Awards Luncheon
2:30–4:30 PM – Litigation Section Breakouts
4:30–6:00 PM – Break
5:00–6:00 PM – Young Lawyers Informal Gathering
6:00–7:30 PM – Bench-Bar Reception
7:30–9:30 PM – Dinner on Your Own
7:30–9:30 PM – Women's Section Dinner
9:30–11:00 PM – Late Night

Friday, October 23

8:00–8:55 AM – Breakfast Buffet Available
8:55 AM – Morning Announcements & General Session
9:15–10:15 AM – Preparing for the Worst and Unexpected at Deposition and Trial
10:15–10:30 AM – Break
10:30–11:30 AM – Valuing Claims
11:30 AM–12:30 PM – Pitfalls in the Appellate Courts
12:30–12:45 PM – Box Lunches Available
12:45–1:45 PM – Sanctions (Ethics)
1:45 PM – Adjourn

HOTEL

THE HOTEL ROANOKE

Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the hotel combines classic elegance with modern amenities. There are charming downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions just steps away. Whether this is your first visit or a return to a VADA favorite, the Hotel Roanoke offers the perfect setting for a memorable Annual Meeting.

Use the button below to book your room at the VADA discounted rate of $217. Book soon, as the room block will close the earlier of September 20, or when it is full.

REGISTRATION

The registration fee includes all CLEs, meals and receptions. New members joining VADA will have their first-year membership fee waived for 2027. First membership bill will be sent January 2028. For further details, contact Sherma Mather at smather@vada.org.

Guest registration fee includes Wednesday and Thursday receptions. For guest ticket information for Thursday's Awards lunch, please contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org.

Cancellations accepted until October 8, 2025. No refunds after October 8, but substitutions welcome anytime. Email Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org for further information.

WEDNESDAY DINE AROUND DINNERS

Enjoy dinner, while networking with new or long-time VADA friends. It is Dutch treat, with each participant paying for their own meal. The sign up will open in September, so check back then.

VADA VTLA Ethics Webinar (28 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Information coming summer 2026

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

Lindsay Rollins, The Progressive Group, VADA Immediate Past President

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

John Dunnigan, Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman, VADA Board Member
Andy Southerland, M.D., Department of Neurology, University of Virginia

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

B. Patrick O'Grady, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer

12:45-1:15 Box Lunch

1:15-2:15 Effective Advocacy in Mediation

The Honorable Beverly Snukals (Ret.), The McCammon Group

2:30-3:15 Written Discovery

Taylor Brewer, Moran Reeves Conn, VADA President-Elect
Tracy Taylor Hague, Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black

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

Donald E. Morris, Law Offices of Donald E. Morris

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

Hon. Richard E. Moore (Ret.), Charlottesville Circuit Court
Hon. Matt Quatrara, Albemarle General District Court
Moderator: Rachel Horvath, Piedmont Liability Trust, VADA President

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. Each participant will receive two drink tickets.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL AGENDA

To learn about meeting sponsorship, 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

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 Annual Meeting (11 Oct 2028)

Wed, 11 Oct 2028 22:00:00 GMT

2028 Annual Meeting

Further information will be posted in 2028

Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys upcoming events

Women's Section Lunch & Learn - Lessons from the Journey: Paths, Pivots, and Perspectives (01 Sep 2026)

2026 Paralegal Seminar (10 Sep 2026)

Agenda

Sponsors

Polo at King Family Vineyards Networking Event (11 Oct 2026)

2026 Annual Meeting (21 Oct 2026)

AGENDA

HOTEL

REGISTRATION

WEDNESDAY DINE AROUND DINNERS

SPONSORS

VADA VTLA Ethics Webinar (28 Oct 2026)

Information coming summer 2026

2026 Young Lawyers Boot Camp (04 Dec 2026)

Agenda

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

1:15-2:15 Effective Advocacy in Mediation

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

Sponsors

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

2027 Spring Sections Seminar (05 May 2027)

Agenda

Registration

Hotel

Sponsors

2027 Annual Meeting (06 Oct 2027)

2028 Annual Meeting (11 Oct 2028)