News and Updates   

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks has released the winners of the 17th Annual Legal Food Frenzy. Held April 17-28, the event is a friendly competition among legal offices to raise food and funds to support the needs of Virginians who are food insecure.

Henry P. Custis Jr., a VBA member since 1971 and a Life Member since 2016, is the recipient of the 2023 Tradition of Excellence Award from the General Practice Section of the Virginia State Bar. The honor will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting in June.

Daniel L. Gray, a founding partner with Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC, in Fairfax, was elected to the VBA Board of Governors at its spring meeting. He is the Potomac District representative on the 22-member board, and fills a seat left vacant. The governance committee unanimously recommended his approval.

Longtime active VBA member B. Waugh Crigler of Charlottesville died April 26. He was 74.

The retired U.S. magistrate judge in the Western Division of Virginia had served on the VBA Commission on Professionalism, which endorsed the Principles of Professionalism for Virginia Lawyers in 2008.

The Fellows Program of the Virginia Law Foundation is accepting confidential digital nominations from peers of potential 2024 Fellows. Nominations close June 15.

The program, not affiliated with the VBA, recognizes excellence in the practice of law and meaningful engagement in public service by members of the Virginia State Bar.

A total of 146 aspiring lawyers passed the February 2023 Virginia bar examination. Of them, 79 completed all admission requirements and have been licensed to practice law, according to the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.

Anita O. Poston, who served as president of The Virginia Bar Association in 2000, will receive the William R. Rakes Leadership in Education Award at the Virginia State Bar Annual Meeting in June.

The honor recognizes exceptional leadership and vision in improving legal education and advancing professionalism. It is given by the VSB Section on the Education of Lawyers in Virginia.

The winner in the step competition of the Fourth Annual Lawyer Wellness Challenge put about 136 miles of wear on the tread of her shoes over 10 days.

In an email sent to VBA members March 1, Legislative Counsel Eric Link provided an update on the VBA's legislative agenda. He wrote:

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die, concluding the 2023 regular session. The General Assembly is sending several hundred bills to Gov. Glenn Youngkin for his signature, amendment or veto by March 27.

Two bills in the VBA legislative agenda are on their way to the governor as a legislation advances in a flurry of activity.