Here`s

VTLA presents the
2015 Annual Convention
Courage
to Fight
Injustice
It is from numberless diverse
acts of courage and belief that
human history is shaped. Each
time a man stands up for
an ideal, or acts to improve
the lot of others, or strikes
out against injustice, he sends
forth a tiny ripple of hope,
and crossing each other from
a million different centers of
energy and daring those ripples
build a current which can
sweep down the mightiest walls
of oppression and resistance.
— Robert Kennedy,1966
March 26-29, 2015
The Greenbrier
12 CLE credits pending
2015 Annual Convention
General Information
Courage to Fight Injustice Agenda
Hotel
1:00 pm
Enjoy The Greenbrier - one of
this country’s premier resorts!
VTLA’s room rates include
The Greenbrier’s outstanding
breakfast and dinner each day.
(There is a surcharge for some
premium restaurants.) The
deadline for room reservations
is February 23, 2015.
Convention Registration
Register for the Convention
by completing the form in this
brochure, or go online to
www.vtla.com. The deadline for
the deepest discounts is
March 8. Spouse/guest
registration includes access to
all Convention receptions.
Other Activities
The Greenbrier is packed with
activities for all interests!
We encourage you to make
reservations for the spa and
other activities, including dining,
as soon as possible to be sure
you get the time you want. For
VTLA-sponsored events like
the golf tournament, sporting
clays, tennis or the 5K fun run,
please register with us on your
registration form or online.
CLE Credit
The Convention programs are
submitted to the Virginia MCLE
Board for approval and are
expected to provide 12 hours,
including 2 in ethics. To ensure
your credit, watch for the course
number or form in your
materials at convention.
Thursday, March 26
Registration and Exhibit Hall Open
Coffee Break
3:00 pm
Convention Opening Remarks
and Welcome
Thomas J. Curcio, VTLA President
Curcio Law, Alexandria
Joanna L. Suyes, Convention Chair
Marks & Harrison, Richmond
3:15-
Ethics in Mediation
4:15 pm Thomas E. Spahn
McGuireWoods, LLP McLean
John B. McCammon
The McCammon Group, Richmond
4:15-
The Ethics of Prepping Your Client
5:15 pm The Hon. Michael F. Urbanski
U.S. District Court, Western District
Roanoke
5:30 pm
Friends of Bill W.
6:30-
8:00 pm
Welcome Reception
sponsored in part by MediVisuals –
VTLA Platinum Level Business Partner
10:00 pm Young Trial Lawyers Social
sponsored by Planet Depos –
VTLA Bronze Level Business Partner
Friday, March 27
7:15 am Law Office Management Interchange:
Strategies to Harness the Power of a
Paper-less Office
Richard J. Serpe
Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, Norfolk
8:15 am
8:30 am
Annual Meeting
Hidden Torts Gems in the Workers’ Comp
System
Stephen T. Harper
Reinhardt Harper Davis, PLC, Richmond
9:00 am The Art of Cross-Examination in All Kinds of
Cases, including Family Law
Gerald F. Ivey
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett &
Dunner, LLP, Washington, DC
9:45 am Making the Other Guy Look Like a Flintstone:
Using Technology at Trial
Chris Panatier
Simon Greenstone Panatier Bartlett, APC,
Dallas, Texas
10:45 am Supreme Court Thoughts and Muses
The Hon. Samuel Bernard Goodwyn
The Hon. Donald W. Lemons
The Hon. William C. Mims
Supreme Court of Virginia
Jeffrey A. Breit, Moderator
Breit Drescher Imprevento, Virginia Beach
11:45 am Trying Lawsuits Can Be Fun! Fun! Fun!:
Constructing the Ultimate PowerPoint
to Win Your Case
W. Mark Lanier
The Lanier Law Firm, Houston, TX
12:30 -
1:30 pm
Mr. Ivey concentrates his practice
primarily on jury trial patent cases
involving the internet, computer
software and hardware issues,
biotechnology, medical devices,
and mechanical products. With
this breadth of practice, he has
developed impressive cross
examination skills that can be
applied in all areas.
Chris Panatier
This rising star from Texas has
successfully led numerous
trials in complex toxic exposure
cases. Through his work, he has
gained valuable experience in
using technology in trial, much
of which you can apply in any of
your cases. Remarkable attorney
by day and remarkable artist by
night, his perspectives are sure to
give you an idea or two.
Luncheons
Contributor Luncheon (by invitation only)
Family Law
TrialPad for iPads in Family Law Cases
Darrin Behr
The Behr Office, Springfield
Criminal Law Section
Joseph B. Cheshire, V
Cheshire, Parker, Schneider & Bryan, Raleigh, NC
Workers’ Compensation Section
The Hon. Wesley G. Marshall
Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission
Gerald Ivey
Combined Sections
The Hon. Roderick C. Young
Magistrate Judge, United States Eastern District
Young Trial Lawyers Section
Gene R. Nichol
University of North Carolina School of Law,
Chapel Hill, NC
Mark Lanier
Nationally recognized as one of
the top civil litigators, Mr. Lanier’s
resume of top trial attorney
recognitions is impressive on its
own. Add to that his remarkable
string of case successes from
VIOXX to asbestos to taking
on the largest oil providers on
behalf of a small oil company in
a business fraud case. From train
collisions, phsyician malpractice,
defective products, water
contamnation, land disputes,
and more, Mr. Lanier has led the
charge with an unrivaled passion.
He also carries that passion to a
wide variety of government and
community interests.
Gene Nichol
Gene Nichol is the Boyd Tinsley
distinguished professor of law
and Director of the Center on
Poverty, Work and Opportunity
at the University of North
Carolina. From 2005-2008,
he served as president of the
College of William and Mary.
In addition to exemplary
teaching for which he has
received numerous awards,
he has become a leading voice
in making the comfortable
uncomfortable by shining light
on the wrenching poverty in our
country.
Joe Cheshire
The fifth straight Joseph Blount
Cheshire to practice law in North
Carolina, this Mr. Cheshire has
fulfilled his lifelong passion of a
criminal law practice. You may
remember him from leading
the defense of the wrongfully
accused Duke Lacrosse players,
but his community knows him
as an unwaivering advocate
in a wide variety of capital
murder and political corruption
cases. He served for nearly a
decade on the Indigent Defense
Commission for North Carolina
and is an active member of his
community.
2:00 pm
The Forgotten American Commitment to
Equal Access to Justice
Gene R. Nichol
University of North Carolina School of Law,
Chapel Hill, NC
2:30 pm Introducing No Damages
Kevin T. Hadden
ChasenBoscolo Injury Lawyers, Falls Church
2:45 pm The Ins and Outs of Distracted Driving Evidence
Barbara S. Williams
WilliamsFord, Leesburg
3:00 pm Civil Remedies for Sexual Assault
Colleen Marea Quinn
Locke & Quinn, Richmond
3:30 pm
The Reality of Criminal Law in America and
Why All Lawyers Should Be Concerned
Joseph B. Cheshire, V
Cheshire, Parker, Schneider & Bryan,
Raleigh, NC
4:15 pm
Judges’ Panel:
Winning Your Point Without Losing Your Appeal
The Honorable Junius P. Fulton, III,
Norfolk Circuit Court
The Honorable Stacey Williams Moreau
Pittsylvania Circuit Court
Mark S. Lindensmith, Moderator
Marks & Harrison, Staunton
5:30 pm
Friends of Bill W.
6-8:00 pm The Allen Party
Saturday, March 28
7:30 am
5K Fun Run
8:00 am
Coffee with the Judges
8:45 am Tort Law & More Update
Stephanie E. Grana
Cantor, Stoneburner, Ford, Grana & Buckner,
Richmond
Lee Livingston
MichieHamlett, Charlottesville
9:45 am Becoming a Better Advocate
Kathleen Flynn Peterson
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP
Minneapolis, MN
10:45 am Amicus Curiae Update
11:00 am Connecting with Any Audience
Artemis Malekpour
Malekpour & Ball, Durham, NC
Irvin V. Cantor
Cantor, Stoneburner, Ford, Grana & Buckner
Richmond
11:45 am Legislative Update
1:00 pm
Golf Tournament
1:30 pm
Women’s Caucus Luncheon
Guest Speaker: Kathleen Flynn Peterson
1:30 pm
Sporting Clays Fun Shoot
sponsored by Synergy Settlement Services –
VTLA Gold Level Business Partner
1:30 pm
Golf Tournament
2-4:00 pm Ethics Video Replay
5:45 pm
Friends of Bill W.
6:00 pm
Reception
sponsored by LexisNexis
7:00 pm
Banquet
sponsored by The McCammon Group
Kathleen Flynn Peterson
Kathleen Flynn Peterson began
her career as a registered
nurse, speaking for her patients’
needs and speaking up against
institutional problems in the
medical system in order to
provide those patients with the
best possible care. Drawn to
the law after serving as a juror,
she has continued advocating
against health care injustices by
focusing her law practice on the
representation of individuals and
families who have experienced
injury or death as a result of
medical negligence.
Artemis Malekpour
Artemis Malekpour came to trial
consulting as a lawyer with a
background in psychology and
psychiatric research. She works
closely with David Ball, using
Reptilian advocacy and other
methods to deal with a case’s
weaknesses and maximize its
strengths. She specializes in
focus group research, case
strategy, and jury selection.
Banquet Honorees
Oliver White Hill
Courageous Advocate
Award
At this year’s banquet, VTLA
will honor Bob Ruloff and Tom
Shuttleworth for their important
work on Bostic v. Rainey, a case
that at the Federal District and
Circuit Court levels successfully
challenged Virginia’s ban on
same sex marriage.
Special
thanks to
VTLA’s new
Business
Partners
MediVisuals
Platinum Level
sponsoring the
Welcome Reception
Synergy Settlement Services
Gold Level
sponsoring the Sporting Clays
Fun Shoot and
Young Trial Lawyers Luncheon
Physician Life Care
Planning
Silver Level
Annual Convention Sponsors
The financial support of these sponsors is vital to the success
of the VTLA Convention. Heartfelt thanks to all!
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
Welcome Reception
MediVisuals
Health Information Resources, Inc.
Bangel, Bangel & Bangel, LLP
MartinWren, PC
Patten, Wornom, Hatten &
Diamonstein, LC
Brain Injury Law Center-Stephen Smith
Summit Pharmacy
VTLA Executive Council
Tom Curcio
John Lichtenstein
Stephanie Grana
Bryan Slaughter
Lee Livingston
Jason Konvicka
Elliott Buckner
Barbara Williams
PlanetDepos
Bronze Level
sponsoring the Young Trial
Lawyers Social
YTL Social
Planet Depos
American Association for Justice
Prime Sponsors
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
Contributor’s Luncheon
Breit Drescher Imprevento
Brown & Jennings, PLC
Crandall & Katt
Curcio Law
The McCammon Group
sponsoring the
Annual Banquet
Family Law Section Luncheon
Mullet, Dove, Meacham &
Bradley, PLLC
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
sponsoring the Allen Party
LexisNexis
sponsoring the
Saturday Reception
Combined Section Luncheon
The Law Office of Dale W. Pittman
Workers’ Comp Section Luncheon
Summit Pharmacy
ChasenBoscolo Injury Lawyers
EPS Settlements
Young Trial Lawyers Luncheon
Brain Injury Law Center-Stephen Smith
Synergy Settlement Services
The Allen Party
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015
5K Fun Run
Steve Garver, Garver Law Offices, PC
Coffee with the Judges
Gerald A. Schwartz & Karen A. Hainer
Hall & Hall, PLC
Virginia Lawyers Media
Golf Tournament
Optcapital
Sporting Clays Fun Shoot
Synergy Settlement Services
Women’s Caucus Luncheon
Amicus Visual Solutions
Jolly Consulting, LLC
Cantor Stoneburner Ford
Grana & Buckner
Saturday Evening Reception
LexisNexis
Basketball Viewing
Nichols Zauzig Sandler, PC
Banquet
The McCammon Group
Coffee Breaks
JMW Settlements, Inc.
General sponsors
FindLaw
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson,
DePaolis & Lightfoot, LLP
Reinhardt l Harper l Davis, PLC
VideoWorks, Richmond
WilliamsFord
The Greenbrier
VTLA is thrilled to return to The Greenbrier for this year’s convention.
For those returning, you can expect the same amenities as in the past
– enjoy golf, fine dining, more than 55 activities, designer boutiques,
complete spa services, the mineral spa and the casino.
For those new, prepare for an exquisite experience! VTLA room rates
INCLUDE an amazing Greenbrier breakfast and dinner each day of your
stay. Take some time to review all that the resort has to offer you and
your family.
Call to reserve your room
1-855-923-7202
option 2
or register online
http://bit.ly/13UNGa6
Room rates
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
YTL discounted rates*
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
$377
$486
The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort located in White Sulphur
Springs, West Virginia. As a National Historic landmark, The Greenbrier’s classic architecture, exquisite interior design, carefully sculpted
landscape, impeccable service and outstanding amenities have hosted
distinguished guests from around the world since 1778, and VTLA for a
number of years.
Room reservations must be made by February 23
to receive VTLA rates.
Be sure to make your dining and activity reservations early as well to
enjoy the times you prefer.
Here’s some small print from the hotel:
$286
$415
Upgraded rooms, suites, and
cottages are all available, but
reserve early for the best options!
* For the YTL rate, be sure to note in the
comments area online or mention it when
you call to reserve!
The Meal Plan consists of breakfast and dinner plus gratuity, state sales tax, occupancy
tax, and resort fee. Breakfast includes either
a two course a la carte meal or breakfast buffet in the Main Dining Room, Draper’s Café or
room service. Dinner includes a three-course
meal and non-alcoholic beverage in the Main
Dining Room, Sam Snead’s, Draper’s Café,
The Forum, Prime 44 West or room service. A
delivery fee will apply for room service.
Please note, dining at Prime 44 West requires
a $50 per person surcharge and the tasting
menu in the Main Dining Room requires a $55
per person surcharge. Alcoholic beverages or
bar service of any kind, resort fee and taxes
are not included in the Meal Plan Package.
Check-In Time: 4:00 p.m.
Check-Out Time: 11:00 a.m.
Deposit Policy
The Greenbrier deposit requirement is $300 for VTLA attendees. When requesting reservations, please note arrival and departure dates carefully. Late arrival or early departure
will cause forfeiture of deposit, unless cancellation or changes are made 14 days in
advance. All major credit cards are accepted to secure your reservation.
Resort Fees and Taxes
Daily Resort Fee: $39.00 per room, per night
West Virginia State Taxes: 6% sales tax & 3% occupancy tax
Valet Parking: $20.00 per night
Historic Preservation Fund (HPF)
A Historic Preservation Fund of 6.5% is collected to preserve and protect landscapes,
buildings, and amenities that have played a meaningful role in The Greenbrier’s past
while carefully planning the continuous improvement for the future.
Dress Code Policy
The Greenbrier enjoys the pleasure of hosting guests from all over the world. Throughout our 235-year history, many traditions have been established to make the visits of all
our guests their most memorable experiences. The Greenbrier’s Dress Code distinguishes the resort and is an important complement to the standards our guests expect
and deserve.
Join VTLA Today!
Join VTLA today and pay member rates for the Convention.
Bar year:
Please check your category
2006 and before............................................................................................................................ $350 ■
2007-2011...................................................................................................................................... 250 ■
2012-present.................................................................................................................................. 150 ■
Public Service Attorney................................................................................................................... 150 ■
(full-time employee of federal, state or local government, or legal aid & public defender programs)
Associate Member.......................................................................................................................... 150 ■
(retired attorney or judge, bar members not licensed in Virginia but licensed in another state or country)
Paralegal membership applications available upon request. Call (804) 343-1143.
Special Memberships
Sustaining Member....................................................................................................................... $500 ■
Patron Member............................................................................................................................... 750 ■
These members voluntarily pay higher dues to provide essential financial support to VTLA.
Additional Section/Interest Group Memberships
Appellate Practice................... $25■
Business Litigation.................... 25■
s
Consumer Law.......................... 25■
Criminal Law............................. 25■
s
Employment & Civil Rights .......... 25■
Family Law................................ 25■
s
Section eligibility criteria apply
Long Term Care......................... 25■
Products Liability....................... 25■
Professional Liability.................. 25■
s
Social Security........................... 25■
s
Workers’ Compensation.............. 25■
s
s
Please make checks payable to VTLA and send to:
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, 919 East Main St., Suite 620, Richmond, VA 23219
804/343-1143 • 800/267-VTLA • 804/343-7124 (fax) • e-mail: [email protected]
Name _ __________________________________________________________________________
Firm Name _ ______________________________________________________________________
Firm Address ______________________________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP _ ____________________________________________________________________
Home Address _ ___________________________________________________________________
City/State/ZIP _ ____________________________________________________________________
Phone (bus) ( _____ ) ____________________ Fax ( _____ ) _ ____________________________
Cell phone ( _____ ) __________________ Home ( _____ ) _ _____________________________
e-mail address _ _______________________________________ website _____________________
Birth date _________ Year first admitted to any state bar _ _______ No. of attorneys in Firm _____
If you have a personal injury practice, is it primarily defense ■ or plaintiff ■ ?
Name of law school attended _ _____________________________________________________
Please indicate the top three areas of your practice:
■ Appellate Practice
■ Criminal Law
■ Medical Malpractice
■ Wills, Trusts & Estates
■ Bankruptcy
■ Employment Law
■ Personal Injury
■ Workers’ Comp
■ Business Litigation
■ Family Law
■ Products Liability
■ Other:
■ Civil Rights/
Constitutional
■ Long-Term Care/
Nursing Home
■ Professional Liability
■ Consumer Law
■ Social Security
_______________
CONV
Membership expires 12/31/2015
Courage to Fight Injustice Registration
Registration is also available
online at www.vtla.com
registrant name ___________________________________________
firm name _______________________________________________
address _________________________________________________
5K Fun Run Registration
■ I will participate in the Fun Run, Saturday at 7:30 a.m.
Please enclose the $20 fee with your convention registration.
Name(s) ________________________________________________
city/state/ZIP _____________________________________________
day phone no. ____________________________________________
Golf Tournament Registration
email ___________________________________________________
2015 Registration Fees
Before 3/8
VTLA member
■ $375
■ $430
First-Time Attendee (Members only)
■ 275
■ 335
Young Trial Lawyer (Members only)*
■ 220
■ 270
Non-Member attorney
■ 420
■ 475
Spouse/Guest
■ 65
■ 85
Name ____________________________________________
Virginia Judiciary/Legislator
■ Gratis ■ Gratis
Paralegal/Office Support Staff
Member
■ 160
■ 190
Non-Member
■ 185
■ 215
Law School Student, full-time
■ 70
■ 70
Registration Fees: $ _ _______ Additional Fees
5K Fun Run / $20 per person
$ __________
Golf Tournament / $150 per person
$ __________
Tennis Tournament / $60 per person
$ __________
Sporting Clays Fun Shoot / $75/$150 per person
$ __________
$ __________
Extra Banquet Tickets / $65 per person
■ The $150 golf tournament fee must accompany your convention
registration. You may sign up alone and be placed with a foursome, or
indicate the players in your foursome on this form. Please, no foursome
with a total handicap of less than 50.
Name _ __________________________________________________
Handicap or Average Score ___________________________________
Other Players in Foursome ___________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________
Tennis Tournament Registration
■ I will participate in the Tennis Tournament, Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Please
include the $60 fee with your convention registration.
Name(s) ______________________________________________
________________________________________________
Sporting Clays Fun Shoot Registration
Please see the next column on this Registration Form
for additional information required for these offerings.
________________________________________________
Total Fees Enclosed $ __________
(add registration fees and additional fees)
* Attorneys 35 years of age or younger, or who have practiced law for 3 years or less.
NOTE: Registration fee for a member of a Legal Aid or a Public Defender program or
full-time local, state or federal government employee is one-half the standard fee.
All Convention Registration Fees Cover: Seminars, great electronic materials,
useful convention guide including full table of contents, Welcome Reception, Allen
Party, Lexis Reception, Banquet, and exhibits. Pre-registration is encouraged, however,
daily registration will be available at the door at $125 for Thursday, $185 for Friday
and $175 for Saturday (regardless of membership status).
Cancellation Policy: Refunds, less a $50 administrative fee, will be given only
if written request is received before March 20.
Please Note: Correct fees or credit card information must accompany your
registration. VTLA cannot bill you.
■ I will participate in the Sporting Clays Fun Shoot, Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Please include the $75 fee with your convention registration. (This
includes 25 clays, gun, shells, safety equipment. If you want to shoot
50 clays, please add an additional $75.)
Name(s) ______________________________________________
Payment Options
■ Check enclosed or
Bill my: ■ MasterCard ■ VISA ■ American Express
Card # ____________________________________________
Exp. Date: _________________ billing zip code: _ ________
Cardholder: ________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________
Please make checks payable and mail to:
VTLA
919 East Main Street, Suite 620 • Richmond, VA 23219
OR
register by fax (804)343-7124, phone (804)343-1143/(800)267-8852,
online at www.vtla.com with your credit card