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

Courage to Fight Injustice

VTLA presents the 2015 Annual Convention

March 26-29, 2015The Greenbrier

12 CLE credits pending

Courage to Fight Injustice Agenda

1:00 pm 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 Mediation4:15 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- Welcome Reception8:00 pm 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 Annual Meeting

8:30 am Hidden Torts Gems in the Workers’ Comp System

Stephen T. Harper Reinhardt Harper Davis, PLC, Richmond

Thursday, March 26

2015 Annual Convention General Information

HotelEnjoy 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 RegistrationRegister 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 ActivitiesThe 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 CreditThe 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.

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 - Luncheons1:30 pm 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

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

Gerald IveyMr. 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 PanatierThis 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.

Mark LanierNationally 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 NicholGene 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 CheshireThe 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

Kathleen Flynn PetersonKathleen 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 MalekpourArtemis 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 AwardAt 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.

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

Annual Convention SponsorsSpecial thanks to VTLA’s new Business Partners

MediVisualsPlatinum Level sponsoring the Welcome Reception

Synergy Settlement Services Gold Levelsponsoring the Sporting Clays Fun Shoot and Young Trial Lawyers Luncheon

Physician Life Care Planning Silver Level

PlanetDeposBronze Levelsponsoring the Young Trial Lawyers Social

Prime Sponsors

The McCammon Groupsponsoring the Annual Banquet

Allen, Allen, Allen & Allensponsoring the Allen Party

LexisNexissponsoring the Saturday Reception

The financial support of these sponsors is vital to the success of the VTLA Convention. Heartfelt thanks to all!

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015Welcome ReceptionMediVisualsHealth Information Resources, Inc.Bangel, Bangel & Bangel, LLPMartinWren, PCPatten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, LCBrain Injury Law Center-Stephen SmithSummit PharmacyVTLA Executive Council Tom Curcio John Lichtenstein Stephanie Grana Bryan Slaughter Lee Livingston Jason Konvicka Elliott Buckner Barbara Williams

YTL SocialPlanet Depos American Association for Justice

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015Contributor’s LuncheonBreit Drescher ImpreventoBrown & Jennings, PLCCrandall & KattCurcio Law

Family Law Section LuncheonMullet, Dove, Meacham & Bradley, PLLC

Combined Section LuncheonThe Law Office of Dale W. Pittman

Workers’ Comp Section LuncheonSummit PharmacyChasenBoscolo Injury LawyersEPS Settlements

Young Trial Lawyers LuncheonBrain Injury Law Center-Stephen SmithSynergy Settlement Services

The Allen PartyAllen, Allen, Allen & Allen

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 20155K Fun RunSteve Garver, Garver Law Offices, PC

Coffee with the JudgesGerald A. Schwartz & Karen A. HainerHall & Hall, PLCVirginia Lawyers Media

Golf TournamentOptcapital

Sporting Clays Fun Shoot Synergy Settlement Services

Women’s Caucus LuncheonAmicus Visual SolutionsJolly Consulting, LLCCantor Stoneburner Ford Grana & Buckner

Saturday Evening ReceptionLexisNexis

Basketball ViewingNichols Zauzig Sandler, PC

BanquetThe McCammon Group

Coffee BreaksJMW Settlements, Inc.

General sponsorsFindLawKoonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, LLPReinhardt l Harper l Davis, PLCVideoWorks, RichmondWilliamsFord

The GreenbrierVTLA 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.

The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. As a National Historic landmark, The Green-brier’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:

Check-In Time: 4:00 p.m.Check-Out Time: 11:00 a.m.

Deposit PolicyThe Greenbrier deposit requirement is $300 for VTLA attendees. When requesting reser-vations, 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 TaxesDaily Resort Fee: $39.00 per room, per nightWest Virginia State Taxes: 6% sales tax & 3% occupancy taxValet 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 PolicyThe Greenbrier enjoys the pleasure of hosting guests from all over the world. Through-out 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 distin-guishes the resort and is an important complement to the standards our guests expect and deserve.

Call to reserve your room

1-855-923-7202 option 2

or register onlinehttp://bit.ly/13UNGa6

Room ratesSingle Occupancy $377Double Occupancy $486

YTL discounted rates*Single Occupancy $286Double Occupancy $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 din-ner plus gratuity, state sales tax, occupancy tax, and resort fee. Breakfast includes either a two course a la carte meal or breakfast buf-fet 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.

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: vtla@vtla.com

s Long Term Care ........................25 ■s Products Liability ......................25 ■ Professional Liability .................25 ■s Social Security ..........................25 ■s Workers’ Compensation .............25 ■

Appellate Practice ..................$25 ■ Business Litigation ...................25 ■s Consumer Law .........................25 ■ Criminal Law ............................25 ■s Employment & Civil Rights .........25 ■ Family Law ...............................25 ■

CONV

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:

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)

Special MembershipsSustaining Member ...................................................................................................................... $500 ■

Patron Member .............................................................................................................................. 750 ■ These members voluntarily pay higher dues to provide essential financial support to VTLA.

Additional Section/Interest Group Memberships

Paralegal membership applications available upon request. Call (804) 343-1143.

s Section eligibility criteria apply

Membership expires 12/31/2015

Join VTLA Today!Join VTLA today and pay member rates for the Convention.

■ Appellate Practice

■ Bankruptcy

■ Business Litigation

■ Civil Rights/ Constitutional

■ Consumer Law

■ Criminal Law

■ Employment Law

■ Family Law

■ Long-Term Care/ Nursing Home

■ Medical Malpractice

■ Personal Injury

■ Products Liability

■ Professional Liability

■ Social Security

■ Wills, Trusts & Estates

■ Workers’ Comp

■ Other:

_______________

registrant name __________________________________________

firm name ______________________________________________

address ________________________________________________

city/state/ZIP ____________________________________________

day phone no. ___________________________________________

email __________________________________________________

Golf Tournament Registration■ 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 __________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

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.

Before 3/8

VTLA member ■ $375 ■ $430First-Time Attendee (Members only) ■ 275 ■ 335Young Trial Lawyer (Members only)* ■ 220 ■ 270Non-Member attorney ■ 420 ■ 475Spouse/Guest ■ 65 ■ 85 Name ___________________________________________Virginia Judiciary/Legislator ■ Gratis ■ Gratis

Paralegal/Office Support Staff Member ■ 160 ■ 190 Non-Member ■ 185 ■ 215Law School Student, full-time ■ 70 ■ 70

Registration Fees: $ _______

2015 Registration 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.

Additional FeesPlease see the next column on this Registration Form for additional information required for these offerings.

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 $ _________

ToTAL FEES EnCLoSED $ _________ (add registration fees and additional fees)

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

■ Check enclosed or

Bill my: ■ MasterCard ■ VISA ■ American Express

Card # ___________________________________________

Exp. Date: _________________ billing zip code: ________

Cardholder: _______________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________

Payment Options

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) _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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) _____________________________________________

_______________________________________________

REGISTRATIon IS ALSo AVAILABLE onLInE AT WWW.VTLA.CoM

Courage to Fight Injustice Registration

Sporting Clays Fun Shoot Registration■ 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) _____________________________________________