Advocacy, Professionalism,

Service, Collegiality

Have you renewed your dues for 2014?

Watch a video or listen to the audio of some of the best programming for Virginia attorneys, organized by your peers in the VBA.

  

As a valued member of the VBA, you receive a discount. Non-members also can enjoy these quality presentations.  

  

During December, 12 individuals joined or reactivated their membership with the VBA. Thanks for getting (re)acquainted!

If you ever have a question about membership, please contact Katie Heflin, our member coordinator.

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It's a new year. A new start. Hope is fresh for a year bigger and better than all the preceding years.

The same is true at the VBA. If we can play a part in making your ambitious dreams come true -- to make us even more worthy of your investment in the VBA -- just let us know.

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Once the session begins, stay informed about the VBA-backed initiatives on the VBA's Legislation page, at vba.org/legislation. Updates will be posted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Find them under Bill progress at a glance in the right-hand navigation. 

 

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The VBA's effort to shine a light on the need for additional judges and state funding to fill vacancies is gaining steam.

 

 

Virginia Business editor Robert Powell wrote about the matter in his column in the magazine's January issue: "Legislature must do justice by the state's court system."   

 

Member L. Steven Emmert mentioned the issue in his Virginia Appellate News & Analysis blog on Nov. 22. 

 

The Virginia Chamber has included the pro-business policy of "an equitable and fair legal system" in its Blueprint Virginia plan to strengthen and expand Virginia's economy to maintain Virginia's rank as the best state for business.

 

The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce also has pledge its advocacy.    

 

Some news stories refer to the National Center of State Courts weighted judicial caseloads report:

Study calls for more judges in Virginia (The Free Lance-Star)

Study: More judges needed (Bristol Herald Courier)

Judicial balancing act: Weighted case study calls for shifts (Virginia Lawyers Weekly)[subscription required] 

Report shows Virginia needs more judges (WHSV-TV)      

 

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The print version of the winter 2013-2014 issue of the VBA Journal is in the mail. The digital version is already posted and includes the endnotes to Judge D. Arthur Kelsey's article about how English common law continues to play a prominent role in Virginia courts.  

 

In addition to the customary columns and a listing of The VBA Foundation donors, you'll find articles about the Commission on the Needs of Children and Virginia's uniform law commissioners.

 

Let us know what you think of the issue. We're also seeking your ideas for articles. Send them today to editor Marilyn Shaw.

 

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GOT NEWS? Send your announcements about VBA members to Communications Coordinator Marilyn Shaw.

MOVING: After 17 years located in the 700 block of E. Main Street, the Virginia State Bar office is moving. The new digs will be on the seventh floor of the Bank of America building in downtown Richmond, at 1111 E. Main St.

PRESIDENT-ELECT DESIGNEE: VBA member and Fairfax Bar Association President Edward L. Weiner is the president-elect designee of the Virginia State Bar. The VSB reports that Weiner, founder and senior partner at Weiner, Spivey & Miller, PLC, in Fairfax, will be president in 2015-16.

NEW VENUE: The next state secretary of public safety will be Brian J. Moran, a former Arlington County prosecutor, delegate from Alexandria and Democratic Part of Virginia chairman. Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe announced the news Dec. 14, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. ... James W. Van Horn Jr. has joined Hirschler Fleischer as a partner in the Richmond office. His background is in advising middle-market businesses and private investment funds. ... John G. Butler III joined Sinnot Nuckols & Logan, P.C., as a partner, RichmondBizSense reported. His practice focuses on general liability and civil litigation defense.

RETIRING: The Free Lance-Star reported that four longtime Fredericksburg attorneys plan to retire in the next few months. They include Bill Sokol of Sokol & Jones, who has been a continuous VBA member since 1967.

APPOINTMENTS: Several VBA members will serve on the inaugural Access to Justice Commission, including immediate past YLD chair Daniel E. Ortiz of Blankingship and Keith, P.C., and Scott C. Oostdyk of McGuireWoods. Virginia Lawyers Weekly identified all 18 members of the panel chaired by state Supreme Court Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn. ... The U.S. Senate confirmed Patricia Millett to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

CORRECTION: The December 2013 issue of The VBA Voice listed members of the organization who became 20-year members. David B. Neumeyer's name was missing from the list. We regret the error and applaud Mr. Neumeyer of the Virginia Legal Aid Society in Lynchburg for his long and committed involvement.