News and Updates   

The VBA Young Lawyers Division recognized the efforts of attorneys Jennifer L. Ligon of Richmond and Ann Petros of Alexandria, two of the many young lawyers throughout the state who voluntarily contribute to the division’s numerous projects. The Sandra P. Thompson and the Emerson G. Spies awards were presented during The Virginia Bar Association’s Annual Meeting, held in Williamsburg Jan. 19-21.

The VBA's legislative team at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP will champion several proposals from VBA sections and the affiliated Boyd-Graves Conference through the 2023 Virginia General Assembly. The team also will collaborate on initiatives from the affiliated Virginia Family Law Coalition.

The Virginia Bar Association has a new legislative counsel and team to assist with government relations and state law changes. The lobbying team at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP will be led by VBA member Erik Link.

To the VBA family,

I wanted to take a moment to remember how and why all our worlds changed on Sept. 11, 2001.  It is not just a phrase to say that we must never forget - The bigger point for all blessed to be in this profession and in this country is to recognize the very fragile nature of our great democracy and strive to preserve it. 

The events of Jan. 6, 2021, are seared into the collective memories of all who witnessed the images at the United States Capitol on that historic day.

A special program on that day, entitled “Before, During and After January 6, 2021,” will be presented July 23 at The Virginia Bar Association’s Summer Meeting at The Omni Homestead Resort.

The Virginia Bar Association is the recipient of the inaugural Award for Excellence in Wellness and Well-Being in the Legal Profession. The honor, given by the Virginia State Bar President's Special Commission on Well-Being, will be presented June 17 during the VSB Annual Meeting.

I feel compelled to speak on behalf of the VBA and say that there are simply no words to express the shock, horror and anger that many of us feel about the massacre of children and teachers (and the injuries to so many others, including first responders) in Uvalde, Texas.

Candidates should be active or associate members of the Virginia State Bar for at least 10 years, Virginia residents, people of integrity and character who maintain and uphold the highest standards of the profession, and outstanding members in their community as well as distinguished in the practice of law.

The 2022 Lawyer Wellness Challenge, from March 7-16, attracted 85 registrants to focus on fun activities and information in a friendly competition. The goal was to help people improve their emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual wellness. Participants did not need to be VBA members or lawyers.

A total of 158 aspiring lawyers passed the Virginia bar exam taken in February. Of them, 117 completed all admission requirements and have been licensed to practice law, according to the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.