Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys

Value put into practice

We are a voluntary bar association comprised of over 850 attorneys whose litigation is primarily focused on the defense of civil actions.

04 Dec 2026 · Richmond

2026 Young Lawyers Boot Camp

This is a must-attend event for newer attorneys, who will learn the practical information needed to practice civil defense law.

12–13 Mar 2027 · Richmond

2027 Trial Tactics Workshop

Plan to attend our two-day mock trial where the first 16 registered attorneys will be assigned as co-counsel for the plaintiff or defendant, so register early.

About VADA

Our mission

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.

Three judges in robes and two VADA members beside a VADA banner
Thousands of Virginia lawyers unified in unwavering dedication to the Rule of Law, Judicial Independence, and Independence of the Legal Profession

Since 1968

Five regions, one association

The VADA Board of Directors and Officers are elected each year at the Association’s annual meeting in October.

SouthwestBlue RidgeCapitolPotomacTidewater
1968

VADA started on September 11, 1968

850+

Attorneys whose litigation is primarily focused on the defense of civil actions

4

Issues a year of The Journal of Civil Litigation

5

Regions: Blue Ridge, Capitol, Potomac, Southwest and Tidewater

Sections

Litigation 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.

Chairs and vice chairs

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

What have you enjoyed most about your time in VADA?

Every month VADA interviews a member about their professional and personal life and more.

Member Spotlight
“I enjoy being able to stay connected to some of my friends from law school who also have joined the Association.”
Gifford HampshireMcGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz, P.C., Fairfax
“The wealth of experience/knowledge and the willingness to share it with young attorneys have been invaluable for me.”
Brian EttariHarman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman, Glen Allen
“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.”
Michael SharpSharp Litigation PLC, Harrisonburg
“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.”
Melissa HamannChesapeake City Attorney’s Office
“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.”
Craig GallagherFurniss, Davis, Rashkind and Saunders, P.C., Norfolk
“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.”
Meghan GoslineHancock, Daniel & Johnson, PC, Glen Allen
“I have enjoyed meeting and working with other defense attorneys from across Virginia. The VADA has a great sense of camaraderie.”
Glenn WilliamsFrith Anderson + Peake, Roanoke
“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.”
Vivek SubramanyamLewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP, Washington, D.C.
“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.”
Marc PeritzFlora Pettit PC, Charlottesville
“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.”
Walker TerryByrne Canaan Law, Richmond
“The collegiality. VADA members are always ready and willing to share information, expert recommendations, and thoughts on defense strategy.”
Britton WightHarman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman, Alexandria
“Meeting attorneys from all across the state who understand what you do and are always willing to help.”
Lori BentleyJohnson Ayers & Matthews, Roanoke

Ready to join?

First year membership dues are $150

If you register for one of VADA’s CLE programs, your new member dues for that year will be waived.

News

Recent from VADA

Member Spotlight

Gifford Hampshire

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 spotlight

Paying it Forward

Macel H. Janoschka

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 feature

Defense Line Newsletter

September 2026 issue

Monthly issues back to 2019

Sponsors and Support

Thank you to our sponsors

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.

Sponsorship information
LexisNexis Beacon Forensic Beacon Hill Legal CED Technologies Exponent FORCON International Juridical Solutions In2Trial MDD, A Davies Company Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Planet Depos Comp-X MW Forensic Engineering Rimkus Consulting Group Robson Lenhart, PC Accident Technology S-E-A The McCammon Group Virginia Lawyers Weekly InQuis
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software