VBA Journal   

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Current Issue -- Spring 2025

On the Cover
Meet Kim Ramsey, the VBA's 137th president, by Teri Saylor

Featured
VBA Leadership Academy, developing tomorrow's leaders today, by Kimberlee Harris Ramsey

The VBA delivers a message - with a map, by Paul Fletcher
18 VBA bills enter shortened 'short session,' by Eric Link
Will maritime law control your contract? by Christopher M. Seelie

The art of storytelling in legal writing, by Erin K. DeBoer
Writer's Block: The art of discovery: part 4, by David H. Spratt
Virginia led the future nation in casting off British rule, by Eric Helms Monday
135th Annual Meeting in photos

 

Previous Issue -- Fall 2024

On the Cover
Life, liberty and Virginia lawyers: the revolutionary dominion, by Eric Helms Monday

Featured
VBA model artificial intelligence policy for law firms
A primer on amicus briefing, by John Paul O'Herron and Peter S. Askin
Access to Justice Commission at 10, by Justice Stephen R. McCullough and John E. Whitfield
Innovative statewide pro bono campaign, by M. Bryan Slaughter
DEI committee members speak out, by Faith A. Alejandro and Patrice L. Holland
Writer's Block: The Art of Discovery: Part 3, by David H. Spratt

 

Previous Issue -- Spring 2024

On the Cover
Meet W. Ryan Snow, 136th VBA president, by Teri Saylor

Featured
Appellate mediation, by the Honorable Deborah Wood Blevins and John Paul O'Herron
A new look at Virginia's constitutional history, by A.E. Dick Howard and Trevor S. Cox
The VBA - and Virginia - lead 250th observance, by Eric Helms Monday
Spring section roundup
Writer's Block: The Art of Discovery: Part 2, by David H. Spratt

 

Previous Issue -- Fall 2023

On the Cover
Update those severance agreements, by John M. Bredehoft and Neil S. Talegaonkar

Featured
Tips from the bench: Better legal writing, by Erin DeBoer
Legal writing for the digital reader, by John P. O'Herron
Drones in Virginia: Evolving uses and potential litigation, by Marialuisa Gallozzi and Weston Coward
VBA small-firm management meetups, by Teri Saylor
Writer's Block: The Art of Discovery: Part 1, by David H. Spratt

 

Spring 2023

On the Cover
Benjamin D. Leigh brings compassion, humor and a great love of Virginia to VBA presidency, by Teri Saylor

Featured
VBA legislative agenda, by Eric Link
Will the expanded jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals finally give contributory negligence some teeth? by Jennifer L. Eaton and Allison M. Mentch
Decision could change how contractors sue VDOT, by Paul Fletcher
Each of us can foster DEI efforts every day, by Karen Michael
VBA leaders dedicate 'Martinsville Seven' historical marker, by Paul Fletcher
How lawyers can safely connect to public Wi-Fi, by Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek

 

Fall 2022

On the Cover
Virginia's new data privacy rules, by John G. Danyluk, Erin M. Harrigan and Andrew E. Hayhurst

Featured
Alternative methods and outcomes: A creative approach to civil and criminal litigation, by the Honorable Jacqueline S. McClenney
An appeal of right: Navigating the new Court of Appeals of Virginia, by W. Thomas Chappell
The cardinal virtues of assigning error in Virginia appeals, by John P. O'Herron
The 132nd Summer Meeting remembered

 

Spring 2022

On the Cover
Victor O. Cardwell: Trailblazer, unifier and VBA's 134th president

Featured
Meet the remarkably diverse new judges of the Court of Appeals of Virginia, by Jennifer L. Eaton
Business disclosure changes in the Corporate Transparency Act, by James J. Wheaton and Gustavo De la Cruz Reynozo
Cannabis and the workplace, by Michael P. Gardner
The 132nd Annual Meeting remembered

 

Fall 2021

On the Cover
Toward Normalcy: A fully in-person 131st Summer Meeting

Featured
Appeals of right are coming, by Monica T. Monday
Search and seizure: Fourth Amendment cases in the U.S. Supreme Court's 2020-21 term, by Judge Afshin Farashahi
New collaborative act statutes, by Christopher H. Macturk
How to avoid wire fraud losses, by Mary C. Zinsner and Susan Flint

 

Spring 2021

On the Cover
Meet Richard Ottinger, a practical, adaptable 133rd President, by Nicole Van Esselstyn

Featured
VBA lawyers bridging divides, by Jeanne F. Franklin
Effects of the pandemic on litigation: past, present, and future, by L. Steven Emmert
Virginia enacts first-in-the-nation workplace standard, by Courtney M. Malveaux
Are the drivers of the gig economy "transportation workers"? by Dustin M. Paul and Jennifer L. Eaton
131st Annual Meeting

 

Fall 2020

On the Cover
Virginia's 1971 Constitution at 50, by A.E. Dick Howard

Featured
Toward greater equality: In 1968-1970, Virginia's leading legal minds came together to revise the constitution, by Jean Hardiman
130th Summer Meeting, photos by R. Yvonne Cockram and Caroline Wilson
A new day in the Old Dominion: dramatic changes in Virginia's employment law landscape, by Broderick Coleman Dunn
Pandemic catapults practice management into the future, by Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek
Transferring retirement assets, tax-free, between spouses for public benefits planning, by Ari N. Sommer

 

Spring 2020

On the Cover
Meet Alison McKee, mom, wife and 132nd VBA president, by Lisa Oliver Monroe

Featured
130th Annual Meeting, photos by Sam Hughes, Marilyn Shaw and Khadijah Vasser
Exempt or nonexempt? New salary level requires employers to revamp pay practices, by Lindsey A. Strachan
In the child's best interest: Other than parents, who has standing to seek custody and visitation rights in Virginia? by Naveed Kalantar
Make the call: Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, by Katherine Pyles
Judicial Learning Center: Exhibits personalize Virginia's judicial history, by Marilyn Shaw

 

Fall 2019

On the Cover
The medical marijuana debate, by Maya Eckstein and Phoebe Willis

Featured
129th Summer Meeting, photos by Rick Barbero, R. Yvonne Cockram and Marilyn Shaw
The 2019 revision to the Virginia Stock Corporation Act, by Steven M. Haas
State Corporation Commission prepares enhanced online services for business records and UCC filings, by Emily Wingfield
Suspension and debarment rules in Virginia public procurement, by Edmund M. Amorosi and Daniel H. Ramish
Cuba visit a 'trip of a lifetime'? You bet! by Alison McKee

 

Spring 2019

On the Cover
Introducing Richard E. Garriott Jr., the VBA's 131st president

Featured
129th Annual Meeting, photos by Louis Fronkier, R. Yvonne Cockram and Marilyn Shaw
Show me the money: Recent developments concerning attorneys' fees in Virginia & Practical Tips, by Kirk M. Sosebee and Alicha M. Grubb
Pilot projects in appellate mediation begin, by John O'Herron
Proper professionalism: The Virginia Bar Association's efforts to encourage civility, by Lisa Oliver Monroe
The blockbuster that is blockchain: What it means to the practice of law, by Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek
Bills backed in the 2019 General Assembly session, by Jeffrey S. Palmore

 

Fall 2018

On the Cover
A fully funded judiciary, by Jeffrey S. Palmore

Featured
128th Summer Meeting, photos by Rick Barbero and Marilyn Shaw
How the Virginia attorney general has used the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to augment its reach, by Ashley L. Taylor, David N. Anthony, Stephen C. Piepgrass, and Ryan J. Strasser
Cybersecurity risks: If you think the construction industry is immune, think again, by Jonathan V. Gallo
Third-party legal opinions in business transactions: A practical guide for Virginia lawyers, by Alison M. McKee and Charles L. Menges
The state of pro bono, compiled by Marilyn Shaw from reports submitted to the Supreme Court of Virginia

 

Spring 2018

On the Cover
The VBA's 130th president, C.J. Steuart Thomas III and his family

Featured
128th Annual Meeting, photos by Sam Hughes and Marilyn Shaw
Unmanned drone revolution, by E. Tazewell "Ted" Ellett and Matthew J. Clark
#MeToo, #Timesup, and work, adapted from an Annual Meeting program outline by David C. Burton and Arlene F. Klinedinst
Bid protect remedies and the Virginia Public Procurement Act, by Jonathan D. Shaffer and Todd M. Garland
VBA on Main: Open for your business, by Marilyn Shaw

 

Fall 2017

On the Cover
VBA on Main hard hat tour

Featured
A proposal for divorce proceedings, in Swiftian fashion, by the Hon. Everett A. Martin Jr. with Philip B. Timmerman.
Construction indemnity in Virginia, by John D. Wilburn and Jennifer A. Guy
The longstanding tradition of VBA-presented debates, by Lisa Oliver Monroe
Securing our future through membership growth, by N. Thomas Connally III

 

Spring 2017

On the Cover
VBA on Main: New VBA home adds work, social space for members, by Marilyn Shaw.

Featured
Judicial Performance Evaluation Program, by Lisa Oliver Monroe.
Legislative proposals spur new laws, by Jeffrey S. Palmore
Security Awareness: Is your firm protected? by Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek
Triage in client intake, by the Honorable Deborah Wood Blevins
Reed Smith donates $6,900 for veteran legal services

 

Winter 2016-2017

On the Cover
Historic preservation at the VBA: The mission of the Committee on Art & Artifacts, by Thomas M. Winn III.

Featured
'Til death do we part(ner). Virginia's new elective share laws, by John T. Midgett.
Changes to Rules 1.2(a) and 1.6(b)(7). A client's intent to commit a crime, perjury, and the lawyer's ethical duty to report, by James M. McCauley, VSB ethics counsel.
The growing potential issue of lawyer impairment, by Lisa Oliver Monroe.
Justice for all: Shining a spotlight on the topic of implicit bias, by Tony Guagenti.

 

Fall 2016

On the Cover
The Young Lawyers Division reviews and evaluates itself to set course an even more vibrant future, by Toni Guagenti.

Featured
A look at Rule 1:1, Umana-Barrera, and nunc pro tunc orders, by the Honorable Everett A. Martin Jr.
Uncovering the true meaning of "best efforts" clauses, by Mark C. Shuford and Latosha M. Ellis.
What you need to know about Virginia's new Uniform POA Act, by I. Mark Cohen.

 

Spring 2016

On the Cover
VBA President Jim Guy, in tune with law and life, by Lisa Oliver Monroe.

Featured
Virginia's vibrant legal history on display, by Toni Guagenti.
Europe's refugee crisis and the Schengen Accord, by Bryan W. Horn.
VBA's connection to one of the Cold War's most high-profile cases, by Shane Arrington; photos courtesy of Francis Gary Powers Jr.
Ten years and many tons with the Legal Food Frenzy, by Dawn Nolan.

 

Winter 2015-2016

On the Cover
The legacy of Loving, by Stuart A. Raphael.

Featured
To have and to hold after Obergefell, by Matthew L. Kreitzer.
Same-sex marriage & estates, by Emily B. Talbott.
The future of public-private partnerships, by Arnie B. Mason.
Pro bono proponents, by Toni Guagenti.

 

Fall 2015

On the Cover
Many VBA members have joined the ranks of small or solo practices with rewarding results.

Featured
Cybersecurity and the duty to protect confidential client information, by James M. McCauley.
Why lawyers resist rules requiring competence with technology, by Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek.
National Moot Court Competition prepares law students for practice. The YLD makes regionals a reality, by Lisa Oliver Monroe.

 

Spring 2015

On the Cover
For VBA President Pete Johnson, life is as much about being in the moment as it is about practice and preparation.

Featured
A modern "Billy Goats Gruff": The patent troll under the bridge, by Belinda Jones.
Key aspects about the Affordable Care Act every attorney -- and employer -- should know, by Lisa Oliver Monroe.
VBA legislative initiatives find broad support, by Jeffrey S. Palmore.

 

Winter 2014-15

On the Cover
In honor of the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, Professor A.E. Dick Howard looks at its influence, which greatly shaped American constitutionalism.

Featured
The role of Virginia courts in addressing unaccompanied alien minors, by Richard E. Garriott Jr.
The VBA's insurance agency subsidiary, Virginia Barristers Alliance Inc., adds lawyers professional liability and business coverage, by Lisa Oliver Monroe.
The effect of bankruptcy on mechanic's lien rights in Virginia, by W. Alexander Burnett and Andrew O. Mathews.

 

Fall 2014

On the Cover
The VBA's redesigned website features robust members-only capabilities and works well on smartphones and tablets.

Featured
A decline in legal writing skills raises concern, by Jody Taylor.
Is there a self-dealing exception to the business-judgment rule for Virginia limited liability companies? by Christopher Pickens.
What every attorney needs to know about 529 savings plans, by G. Alisa Ferguson and Chris McGee.

 

Spring 2014

On the Cover
Despite his father and grandfather's service as president of the VBA, pursuing the law wasn't a given for John L. Walker III.

Featured
Profits of membership: Business development through the VBA, by Jody Taylor.
Immigration crackdown: What employers should know before Homeland Security comes knocking, by Minnie Fu.
FCC ponders next step to protect a barrier-free Internet, by Eric G. Null

 

Winter 2013-14

On the Cover
Having a voice on the national stage add value: "Ted" Ellett serves as the VBA's delegate to the ABA.

Featured
U.S. Supreme Court pre-empts Virginia's statute on revocation of death benefits.
The Docket: Fall networking and education programs.
The culture of inclusion -- a Law Practice Management Division initiative.

 

Fall 2013

On the Cover
The story behind the VBA's insurance subsidiary, Virginia Barristers Alliance.

Featured
How the new advertising ethics rules affect your solicitation of potential clients.
Five points Virginia lawyers should keep in mind about non-compete covenants.
Q&A with John Dean and James Robenalt, 40 years after the Senate Watergate Committee hearings.

 

Spring 2013

Cover story
Tom Bagby fosters collaboration.

Featured
Virginia policy and the Affordable Care Act
Careful study by the Boyd-Graves Conference
2013 legislative gains

 

Winter 2012-2013

Cover story
Legislative process goes year'round

Featured
Ethics Rule 1.18: Duties to a prospective client, by Robert L. Freed
Women in the Law
Lawyers Helping Lawyers assistance program

 

Fall 2012

Redesigned and expanded in 2012 -- now 40 handsome, full-color pages

 

 

 

Spring 2012