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Thursday, July 16
| Noon-4:00 p.m. | VBA Board of Governors Meeting |
| 3:00-6:00 p.m. | Exhibits Open |
| 3:00-6:30 p.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 4:00-5:00 p.m. | 3 CONCURRENT CLE PROGRAMS (CLE: 60 min) |
| 6:00-7:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception |
| 7:00 p.m. | Dinner on your own |
Friday, July 17
| 7:00-8:00 a.m. | 5k Family Fun Run & Wellness Walk |
| 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Registration Desk & Exhibits Open |
| 8:15-9:45 a.m. | PRO BONO VIRGINIA TRAININGS (CLE: 60 min) |
| 9:45-10:00 a.m. | Snack Break with Exhibitors |
| 10:00-11:00 a.m. | 3 CONCURRENT CLE PROGRAMS (CLE: 60 min) |
| 11:00-11:15 a.m. | Snack Break with Exhibitors |
| 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | 3 CONCURRENT CLE PROGRAMS (CLE: 60 min) |
| 12:30-1:45 p.m. | Baliles Legacy Luncheon & Presentation |
| 12:30-1:45 p.m. | YLD Luncheon & Business Meeting |
| 2:00 p.m. | Banquet Seating Desk Closes |
| 2:00-3:30 p.m. | GENERAL SESSION (CLE: 90 min) |
| 6:00-7:00 p.m. | Friends of Bill W. |
| 6:00-11:00 p.m. | Children's Program (ages 5-12, includes dinner) |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Reception (black-tie optional) |
| 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Banquet (black-tie optional) |
| 9:30-10:30 p.m. | President's Reception |
Saturday, July 18
| 8:00-9:00 a.m. | Section Leaders Legislative Breakfast Meeting |
| 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Registration Desk & Exhibits Open |
| 9:00-10:30 a.m. | GENERAL SESSION (CLE: 90 min.) |
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. | Snack Break with Exhibitors |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. | 3 CONCURRENT CLE PROGRAMS (CLE: 60 min) |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Snack Break with Exhibitors |
| 12:00-1:00 p.m. | 3 CONCURRENT CLE PROGRAMS (CLE: 60 min) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Tennis Round Robin |
| 2:00 p.m. | YLD Epic Pool Party & Water Slide Contest |
| 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Business Law Section Social |
| 7:00-8:30 p.m. | Community Picnic |
| 8:30-9:30 p.m. | YLD Front Porch Social |
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CLE Programs - 9.0 (1.5 Ethics) Approved
Thursday, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Concurrent CLEs
Demystifying Motions Practice in the Court of Appeals
Presented by the VBA Appellate Practice Section
CLE credits: 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
As substantive motions filed in the Court of Appeals of Virginia continue to increase since appeals of right became the norm, the limited guidance in the Rules often leaves counsel with questions. Panelists—including the Court of Appeals’ own motions counsel—will help demystify motions practice by discussing the Court’s motions procedures, addressing common issues and offering actionable advice on improving both advocacy and efficiency. This presentation also provides attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts about improving motions practice in the Court of Appeals.
Planning Ahead for a Contractor's Surprise Bankruptcy
Presented by the VBA Construction & Public Contracts Law Section
CLE credits: 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Unforeseen contractor bankruptcy is a frustration when owners, suppliers and subcontractors try to collect. You can strengthen your client’s position as a creditor long before the contractor files. Get tips on mechanic’s liens, surety bonds and other protective measures while you learn how to preserve your client’s preference before the bankruptcy court.
Why You Should Know the Uniform Trust Code
Presented by the VBA Real Estate Section
CLE credits: 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
The Uniform Trust Code compiles and codifies Virginia trust law and addresses issues that have not been the subject of decisions in Virginia’s case law since the time of its adoption in 2005. Despite the passage of 20 years, many lawyers aren’t familiar with it. Panelists will explain what lawyers need to know about the UTC.
Friday, 8:15 - 9:45 a.m.
Pro Bono: Go From Doubt ... to Doing
Presented by the VBA Pro Bono Council
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Pro Bono Virginia is a new initiative connecting pro bono volunteers with the most critical needs of legal aid organizations. This session introduces the Pro Bono Virginia platform and offers specific training sessions that equip attendees to quickly learn and volunteer in Virginia’s most essential pro bono areas: domestic violence protective orders, evictions and guardianships.
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Balancing the Scales: Pro Bono Representation for Protective Orders
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Practical Pro Bono Advocacy for Housing and Evictions
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Guardianship & Conservatorship: Helping Pro Bono Clients Protect Incapacitated Adults
Friday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Concurrent CLEs
M&A Reality Check: What's Driving Deals and What's Driving Disputes
Presented by the VBA Business Law Section
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Seasoned, transaction-savvy panelists share current perspective on market conditions shaping M&A in 2026, what insurers are seeing in today's deals and lessons from post-closing disputes. This program will provide attorneys with practical, actionable guidance on refining risk allocation, negotiating stronger protections and reducing post-closing disputes.
Annual Review: Civil Decisions of the Supreme Court of Virginia
Presented by the VBA Appellate Practice, Civil Litigation and Judicial Sections
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
This popular VBA Summer Meeting tradition updates attendees on the most significant civil decisions of the Supreme Court of Virginia from the past year.
The AI Disruption: Risks, Rewards and What Lawyers Miss
Presented by the VBA Law Practice Management Division
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
AI has transformed the law practice landscape already, and the pace of change is increasing. This session uncovers hidden risks in the discoverability of AI searches; offers practical use cases and strategies across daily practice; examines how next generation lawyers are being trained; and reveals how embracing AI thoughtfully can influence a firm’s competitive position.
Friday, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Concurrent CLEs
Human Principles of Legal Writing in an AI World
Presented by the VBA Appellate Practice Section
CLE credits 1.0 (0.5 Ethics) Approved
Given the risks and limitations of AI use in contemporary drafting, tried-and-true legal writing principles remain essential to effective representation. Panelists offer cautionary tales from recent cases as context for discussing ethical issues and a few AI tools, but this session spotlights how to keep traditional legal writing skills sharp in spite of current technology.
'Scoundrels & Traitors!' The Virginia Lawyers Who Founded America
Presented by the VBA
No CLE credit offered
Virginia lawyers played a leading role in our nation's founding. In a reprise of his winter Baliles Legacy Luncheon presentation, the VBA's own Eric Monday highlights the daring exploits of the men who risked their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, earning them the scorn of the English king as scoundrels and, worse, traitors.
Representing Unmarried Couples: An Updated Playbook
Presented by the VBA Wills, Trusts & Estates Section
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
With the U.S Census Bureau reporting a significant increase in couples choosing not to marry, the resulting legal ramifications are sprawling. Learn how marital status can affect estate plans, taxes, health care decisions, property ownership and more. Leave feeling better equipped to represent couples who have opted out of formal marriage.
Friday, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. - General Session
The Rule of Law in Theory and Practice
Presented by the VBA Committee on Special Issues of National & State Importance
CLE credits 1.5 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Continued viability of the Rule of Law is a critical issue for lawyers that deeply affects all Virginians. This session brings together a panel of jurists from across Virginia’s court system to explore the Rule of Law’s historical underpinnings and current challenges. Joining the panel is a legal deserts expert to discuss how the Rule of Law influences access to justice even beyond the courtroom.
Saturday, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. - General Session
Roberts Court at Age 20
Presented by the VBA Appellate Practice, Civil Litigation and Judicial Sections
CLE credits 1.5 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Another VBA Summer Meeting tradition, this session updates attendees on a year of decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and discusses their significance to the development of the law in this country.
Saturday, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. - Concurrent CLEs
Recent Civil Decisions of the Court of Appeals of Virginia
Presented by the VBA Appellate Practice Section
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Returning for its third year, this program highlights important published civil cases decided by the Court of Appeals over the past year, identifying key holdings and legal principles of each case in a digestible format.
Boardroom to Courtroom: What You Need to Know Before the Lawsuit
Presented by the VBA Business Law and Civil Litigation Sections
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Moderated by an experienced transactional lawyer, Judge Dan Ortiz and seasoned commercial litigators will discuss unexpected rulings, real‑world anecdotes and winning strategies in complex business cases. The conversation will include rulings that clarify burdens, contract interpretation and evidentiary standards in business disputes—and how these decisions should influence your approach at both the transactional phase and in litigation. It will also offer courtroom-tested guidance on persuading factfinders who may not routinely encounter commercial matters.
Under Attack: The Lawyer's Playbook for Cyber Incident Response
Presented by the VBA Intellectual Property & Information Technology Law Section
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Explore a critical shift in cyber-threat tactics affecting both clients and law firms alike. Learn to navigate the complex intersection of notification statutes, evolving ethical duties and high-stakes ransom decisions in this ever-changing threat landscape that increasingly weaponizes AI. Leave with a strategy to identify exfiltration, respond swiftly to cyber-incidents and implement ""zero trust"" safeguards that help protect your own confidential data and mitigate risks to your clients.
Saturday, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Concurrent CLEs
Directors ... Boards of Directors
Presented by the VBA Corporate Counsel Section
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Boards of Directors govern private and public companies as well as non-profits in Virginia. This session provides an overview of the relevant law to consider when asked to serve or to give legal advice to a board or individual director. It also explores directors’ duties, D&O insurance and other considerations of board service.
Don't Confuse Your AI with My Law Degree!
Presented by the VBA Domestic Relations Section
CLE credits 1.0 (1.0 Ethics) Approved
Professional judgment can’t be crowdsourced, but clients armed with their own AI, social media and online “research” often arrive with strong opinions on how you should handle their cases. This session examines how client-driven strategy and drafting jeopardize a lawyer’s non-delegable duties of competence, diligence, candor and independence. On a backdrop of real-world scenarios, panelists offer strategies to establish appropriate boundaries and preserve the attorney-client relationship while you maintain control of the representation—even in high-conflict, emotionally charged cases.
Herding Cats and Taming Lions: Can Lawyers Really Be Managed?
Presented by the VBA Lawyer Development Council
CLE credits 1.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved
Add this to the list of things they don't teach in law school: how to manage other lawyers, especially those who are more senior. Everyone can be an effective manager by employing intentional strategies for influencing and motivating a team of lawyers, whether in your practice group, on a project or firm wide.