Members
CLE Forms and Meeting Materials can be found here. VADA member login required.
About VADA
The mission of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys is to develop and support Virginia attorneys engaged in a civil defense practice in the professional and ethical representation of their clients through education, communication and fellowship.
Thousands of Virginia lawyers unified in unwavering dedication to the Rule of Law, Judicial Independence, and Independence of the Legal Profession
What VADA does
Every OctoberAnnual MeetingOur Annual Meeting is held in October at various locations across the state. This gathering gives our members the chance to meet and discuss topics of mutual interest and enjoy the camaraderie of our group.About membership
Early DecemberYoung Lawyers Boot CampThis one-day seminar is designed to provide practical, everyday-type information to young attorneys.2026 Boot Camp
MarchTrial Tactics WorkshopVirginia judges will preside and provide constructive feedback throughout the trial.2027 Workshop
OnlineWebinars and Lunch & LearnDid you miss a recent webinar or Lunch & Learn? Many were recorded and can be accessed on the members-only area.Webinars
Four times a yearThe Journal of Civil LitigationEach edition contains an interesting selection of in-depth articles, as well as summaries of trial court decisions not readily available from other sources.Search the Journal
Since 1968
The VADA Board of Directors and Officers are elected each year at the Association’s annual meeting in October.
VADA started on September 11, 1968
Attorneys whose litigation is primarily focused on the defense of civil actions
Issues a year of The Journal of Civil Litigation
Regions: Blue Ridge, Capitol, Potomac, Southwest and Tidewater
Sections
VADA offers members the option of joining one (or more) litigation sections providing members with access to resources and information about their specific fields of civil defense law.
There is no charge for section membership; it is part of your overall VADA membership. You can join sections at any time by updating your membership profile.
Member voices
Every month VADA interviews a member about their professional and personal life and more.
“I enjoy being able to stay connected to some of my friends from law school who also have joined the Association.”
“The wealth of experience/knowledge and the willingness to share it with young attorneys have been invaluable for me.”
“Meeting other members and trading stories and ideas. There’s enormous value in comparing notes with people who face the same challenges. Some of the most useful conversations I’ve had have come from simply swapping experiences with colleagues who’ve seen the same problems from a different angle.”
“I’ve attended two VADA conferences now and have been really impressed with the programming and collegiality of the members. It’s been instructive and a lot of fun. The online resources are excellent as well.”
“I’ve always felt a real sense of comradery among the membership of the VADA. It’s been a great resource for sharing experiences unique to the defense bar. I learn something new at every conference.”
“The members! I love meeting and collaborating with other members at VADA and then getting to see them in action in the courtroom as opposing or co-counsel. Getting to know your counterparts as humans first and finding common ground makes the adversarial process much less adversarial.”
“I have enjoyed meeting and working with other defense attorneys from across Virginia. The VADA has a great sense of camaraderie.”
“It’s a great way to connect with the larger Virginia legal community. I see many of the same people once or twice a year, every year, at the meetings, and it’s always great to catch up and discuss interesting topics over drinks.”
“The best part of VADA has been interacting with such an impressive group of people. Participating gives me substantive legal knowledge, practical tips for improving my practice, and interesting and fun events, all while fostering the highest standards of professionalism.”
“The meetings and social events are the best part of VADA. You get to catch up with colleagues and have fun, while learning from others in your field.”
“The collegiality. VADA members are always ready and willing to share information, expert recommendations, and thoughts on defense strategy.”
“Meeting attorneys from all across the state who understand what you do and are always willing to help.”

Ready to join?
If you register for one of VADA’s CLE programs, your new member dues for that year will be waived.
News
Member Spotlight
McGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz, P.C., Fairfax
Giff is a graduate of Virginia Tech and George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School. He has served VADA with distinction as a member of our Annual Meeting Committee.
Read the spotlightPaying it Forward
Frith Anderson + Peake PC, Roanoke
Our goal with this feature is to celebrate and say thank you to a VADA member who is making a positive difference in his or her community.
Read the featureSponsors and Support
Our sponsors are an important partner in our efforts to bring together attorneys dedicated to defense of civil actions for continuing legal education and other events. VADA could not offer this excellent programming without the help and support of our sponsors.