<<

Does your health insurance need a checkup?

Make an appointment with us and examine the possibilities.

We all make choices in our daily routine for good health — eating right, working out, getting regular checkups. How is your Health Insurance and Group Life coverage? What about your Group Long-Term Disability/Short-Term Disability? Would you like choices? Call us today for a coverage checkup! We represent the following Insurance Companies: Aetna Great West AFLAC Guardian Anthem Kaiser Anthem Dental Reliance Standard CareFirst Southern Health Delta Dental UniCare Fortis United Healthcare Golden Rule Unum Principal Let’s examine the coverage options available to you as a VBA member. To start our conversation, please complete this form and fax it to us at (804) 762-4192 or 1-800-947-2796. Without obligation, I would like to receive more information about products and services available to members of The Bar Association. Here’s how you can reach me: Name: ______Address: ______E-mail: ______Area Code ( ) Phone: ______Day ____ Evening Virginia Barristers Alliance, Inc. The Insurance Agency Subsidiary of The Virginia Bar Association Dean Hardy and Howard DiSavino Jr. • 4880 Sadler Road, Suite 110, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 290-8720 direct line • 1-800-358-7987 toll-free • (804) 762-4192 fax e-mail: [email protected] VBA• •

Suite 1120 701 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 News Journal (804) 644-0041 FAX (804) 644-0052 E-mail: [email protected] THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION Web: www.vba.org VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 2 • APRIL/MAY 2005 President James V. Meath, Richmond 4 • President’s Page: President -elect A Case for the Voluntary Bar William R. Van Buren III, Norfolk James V. Meath Chair, Board of Governors Glenn C. Lewis, Washington, D.C. 6 • The Role of Nonprofits in the Rehabilitation of Prisoners Immediate Past President Remarks of The Honorable Mark L. Earley to the Virginia Law E. Tazewell Ellett, Alexandria Foundation Fellows Law Practice Management Division Chair Gant Redmon, Alexandria 9 • Legal Focus/Domestic Relations: Young Lawyers Division Chair R. Braxton Hill IV, Richmond Update to Summary of Post-1998 Rehabilitative Young Lawyers Division Chair-elect Alimony Cases and Trends (Sept. 2003-March 1, 2005) Lori D. Thompson, Salem Cheryl Watson Smith Board of Governors The Officers and 13 • The 2005 Virginia Bar Association Legislative Review Hon. William G. Broaddus, Richmond John D. Epps, Richmond 16 • VBA Young Lawyers Division: Cheshire I. Eveleigh, Virginia Beach Law School Councils serve and socialize William E. Franczek, Norfolk Marilynn C. Goss, Richmond R. Braxton Hill IV Prof. Roger D. Groot, Lexington J. Lee E. Osborne, Roanoke 18 • Community Service/Young Lawyers Division: G. Michael Pace Jr., Roanoke Whitcomb Dreams Stephen C. Price, Leesburg Brooks M. Smith Glenn W. Pulley, Danville Nancy N. Rogers, Richmond Hon. Pamela M. Sargent, 20 • Around the Commonwealth Hon. Diane M. Strickland, Roanoke Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates to debate Member of ABA House of Delegates at the VBA Summer Meeting • Author Adriana Trigiani, ABA David Craig Landin, Richmond President Robert Grey are among scheduled Summer Meeting Legislative Counsel speakers • VPLC seeks photos taken “Through Different Eyes” Hon. Anthony F. Troy, Richmond Robert B. Jones Jr., Richmond 22 • News in Brief Anne Leigh Kerr, Richmond 22 • Classifieds Professional Notices Executive Vice President / Charles Breckenridge Arrington Jr. 24 • Calendar Director of Meetings Brenda J. Dillard On the Cover: The Northumberland County Courthouse (1900), photograph by Director of Finance John O. Peters. One hundred forty photographs of Virginia courthouses are contained in Amy B. Cathey Virginia’s Historic Courthouses, written by John O. and Margaret T. Peters with a foreword VBA News Journal Editor by the late Justice Lewis F. Powell Jr.; photographs by John O. Peters; published by Caroline B. Cardwell University Press of Charlottesville; and sponsored by The Virginia Bar Association. To order the book, call the VBA at (804) 644-0041 or 1-800-644-0987.

OUR MISSION The Virginia Bar Association is a voluntary VBA NEWS JOURNAL, the official publication of The Virginia Bar Association (ISSN 1522-0974, organization of Virginia lawyers USPS 093-110), is published six times per year (December/January, February/March, committed to serving the public and the April/May, June/July, August/September and October/November). Membership dues legal profession by promoting the highest include the cost of one subscription to each member of the Association. Subscription price standards of integrity, professionalism, to others, $30 per year. Statements or expressions of opinion appearing herein are those and excellence in the legal profession; of the authors and not necessarily those of the Association, and likewise the publication working to improve the law and the of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service administration of justice; and advancing unless specifically stated in the advertisement that there is such approval or endorsement. collegial relations among lawyers. Periodicals postage paid at Richmond, VA 23232. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Virginia Bar Association, 701 East Franklin Street, Suite 1120, Richmond, VA 23219. PRESIDENT’S PAGE The Case for the Voluntary Bar by James V. Meath

At the outset, let me say that I have been rewarded beyond belief The case for the voluntary bar in two areas. First, many of you association is an easy one to make. have been so kind to let me know Yes, there are tensions, there are that you share my thoughts membership concerns, but I am concerning the singular pride that heartened by the fact that in my we have in being Virginia lawyers. travels around the Commonwealth, Second, because of the nature of people come up to me and ask me my practice, I have not had the how they can get involved, or more occasion to stay in touch with as involved, in the work of the VBA. many of my friends, classmates That, indeed, is our challenge. and colleagues who practice within the Commonwealth as I would like. It has been particularly rewarding to reconnect with these individuals. Association, Roanoke Bar That mission — regulation, Although it is hard to believe, we Association...), when I am required discipline and self-policing. Many have been out of law school for 26 to belong to the mandatory bar?” I of us have been, and should be, years. In every instance, I am have pondered this question for actively involved in the Virginia proud of the contribution that these quite some time, and I believe that State Bar. Indeed, the current lawyers and judges are making to I have formulated the beginnings of Chairman of our Board of the legal system and serving the what I consider to be a good Governors is now on Bar Council citizens of the Commonwealth of answer. and has been actively involved in Virginia. As Chief Justice Hassell has often the Virginia State Bar for many It has been rewarding as well to articulated, the Virginia State Bar years. As our good friend, albeit speak to local voluntary bar groups needs to be strong and responsive to under house arrest, Martha and recognize what good things all of us, but equally as important is Stewart, would say, “That is a good that these groups are doing, the strength of the voluntary bar. thing.” So let me, at least partially, considering the stress that exists Indeed, we are fortunate to have, as make the case for the voluntary for time, talent and funds for leaders of the Virginia State Bar, bar. voluntary bar work. One example current President David P. Bobzien Some voluntary bar associations that I point to is the domestic of Fairfax and President-elect Phillip are struggling to maintain violence project that has been so V. Anderson of Roanoke. Both of membership in an era where there highly successful in Chesterfield these gentlemen are not only are many other entities competing for County. As I studied their project colleagues, but have become friends, coveted dues money. Voluntary bar and realized how successful it has as we have traveled in the same associations are outside of the been, it saddened me that this circles as bar leaders. Both of these regulatory scheme that the project has not been templated and individuals continue to be active legislature has set out. They are not made uniform throughout the members of The Virginia Bar engaged in discipline or regulating Commonwealth. That brings me to Association. It is also the support of lawyer conduct or self-policing the central question that I am often the Chief Justice, that of former issues. We, as attorneys, have little asked. The question is Presidents of the Virginia State Bar, control over the mandatory bar. As understandable and logical. It is and the handwork of our 5,600 stated above, we all participate at “Why should I belong to the VBA members that help me answer the varying levels of the bar structure, as or any other voluntary bar question posed above. we should. Most of the functions of organization (Richmond Bar The mandatory bar must itself be the mandatory bar typically do not Association, Norfolk/Portsmouth strong beyond reproach and also overlap the functions of the voluntary Bar Association, Old Dominion Bar beyond reproach in its mission. bar. The voluntary bar historically

4/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 has addressed some of these non- blocked in 2002 and the expanded benefits, retirement and disability, regulatory areas and has done quite training of guardians ad litem project it is the Law Practice Management well. I would like to mention a few. of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Division that provides our members First of all, there is the with which our Commission on the with information and guidance on administration of justice. I have just Needs of Children has worked these issues. We have provided related above the Chesterfield Bar extensively since then. Currently, we and continue to provide expertise Association’s pro bono domestic are engaged in a continuing effort to in the form of seminars and violence initiative. This is a reverse the dismal record of the materials to our members to worthwhile project that has provided Commonwealth of Virginia in enhance professionalism and deal real value to its members and the providing funds for the defense of with the lifestyle balance issues public at large. Our Association has indigent criminal defendants. This that are so prevalent today in our also been at the forefront of lobbying year we made minor gains, but, as profession. efforts to enhance the administration we did with the intermediate court Finally, if the case for the of justice. Indeed, this has been a described above, we will not stop in voluntary bar has not already been part of our mission since 1888. our efforts, and we will continue to made, one only needs to look at There is no better example of our press the cause and work actively, one of our own, the current Association’s efforts to enhance the lobbying all three branches of the President of the voluntary administration of justice than the fact government. American Bar Association, Robert that in March I was proud to Another topic that deserves J. Grey Jr. of Richmond. Robert represent our members in making an mention is the independence of the has dedicated his efforts to using address and presentation at the 20th judiciary. Our organization is well- his office to put in front of anniversary of the Court of Appeals known among the judiciary for our everyone the need for jury reform. of Virginia. The VBA, along with commitment to judicial Our Association has assisted other groups, engaged in a resolute independence. We provide a Robert in carrying this message. seven-year effort to establish an clearinghouse for judges who are We entrust juries who are made up intermediate court of appeals in subject to unfair criticisms of their of small bodies of ordinary men Virginia. I can tell you that the Court judicial decisions. Further, we are and women with decisions that is very aware of our efforts in this committed to use our resources to involve the liberties and property regard and is deeply appreciative of ensure that there is due process of defendant citizens. Having been our efforts. involved in the appointment and re- charged thusly, it is incumbent The next area where we have appointment of our judges within upon us to provide every juror with significant influence is in law reform. the Commonwealth of Virginia. the respect, dignity and tools that The State Bar, being a governmental On this same topic, at the recent they deserve to carry out that agency, is precluded from lobbying. annual meeting of the Virginia process to render the best, fairest That, in and of itself, leaves a void as Trial Lawyers Association, I and sound decisions that they can. to which groups can lobby the attended a provocative program, The case for the voluntary bar legislature on behalf of the profession moderated by W. Coleman Allen of association is an easy one to make. and the public. I know that I share Richmond on the topic of judicial Yes, there are tensions, there are your pride in the record of our independence, which included membership concerns, but I am Association’s efforts in this regard. video clips of shocking TV ads heartened by the fact that in my We are well-known within all three from the recent state Supreme travels around the Commonwealth, branches of the government. We are Court campaigns in West Virginia, people come up to me and ask me known to provide an objective voice where Justice Warren McGraw was how they can get involved, or more for many causes at the General ousted by challenger Brent involved, in the work of the VBA. Assembly. Our lobbyists are well- Benjamin. I commend the VTLA for That, indeed, is our challenge. respected, and our positions on this outstanding program, which What we have done in the past is legislation are sought-out. We have examined these crucial issues in written. The value that we will provided real worth to the profession depth. bring and the relevance that we and the public at large in many Next, I would cite our divisions, will maintain with lawyers around areas. In particular, we have been sections and committees. To point the Commonwealth is yet to be dogged in advancing the rights of out just one, our Law Practice determined. children and the disabled. Our Management Division continues to In that regard, I am reminded of sections and committees have address the myriad of challenges the words of the great bard, Yogi provided guidance to the legislature that exist in the practice of law. Berra, “The future just ain’t what it on numerous bills, not the least From law firm management, used to be.” Whatever the future, example of which is the negative bill lifestyle balance, professionalism, the involvement of the voluntary on guardians ad litem that was substance abuse, employee bar is important to it. VBA

APRIL/MAY 2005 THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL/5 REMARKS TO THE VIRGINIA LAW FOUNDATION FELLOWS The Role of Nonprofits in the Rehabilitation of Prisoners by The Honorable Mark L. Earley

The following remarks were stirring up a fresh commitment to the Such actions signal a departure from delivered at the annual Virginia Law rehabilitation of prisoners and to the traditional conservative approach Foundation Fellows Dinner on suggest that nonprofits, not the of “lock ’em up and throw away the January 20 in Williamsburg by government, should lead the way. key.” former Virginia Attorney General Although today I am the president Fourth, a blossoming of primarily and are reprinted with of Prison Fellowship USA, a nonprofit faith-based efforts, at both national his permission. holistic Christian ministry to and local levels, are leading The criminal justice system in prisoners and their children, for the thousands of volunteers in local America today is broken. If first 47 of the 50 years of my life, I churches to become involved in the measured by its ability to rehabilitate gave little thought to prisoners. I lives of prisoners both in prison and prisoners and facilitate their visited prison once to take part in a as they reenter society. successful reentry to society, it is by church service. As a lawyer I would Having served in the Virginia all accounts a failure. With the U.S. go to visit my clients in prison. As a senate for 10 years and as Virginia’s having the highest per capita state senator and then as attorney attorney general for four, I know only incarceration rate of any country in general of Virginia, I toured too well that in times of fiscal stress, the world and totally unacceptable Virginia’s prisons and supported correctional budgets are the first to rates of recidivism, virtually every legislation that was “tough on be cut. Within those budgets, neighborhood and every household is crime.” I generally felt that those in rehabilitation and educational touched by incarceration. prison belonged there, deserved to be programs are the first and We have failed to balance justice there, and had no potential. proportionally the deepest cuts that with mercy by all but ignoring Such a perspective has been are made. That is not likely to rehabilitation. Some offenders need common among citizens and change in the real-world competition to be locked up forever, and some policymakers. But I believe it is for dollars. Even when state will never change. But our criminal changing, perhaps more rapidly than treasuries are bulging, these efforts justice system is not based on that we think. historically receive relatively low assumption alone. Indeed, on At least four factors are driving priority because of demand in other average, violent offenders serve only this change. First, with two million “high profile” areas. But even if that 49 months before they are released; people incarcerated in America changed overnight and prisoner offenders for all types of crimes today, we are reaching a tipping rehabilitation and reentry became the serve an average 25 months. And point in public opinion. Almost number one priority of state once these prisoners are released, everyone has a friend or family governments, government agencies more than 50 percent of them will member who is or has been in prison. are by nature woefully incapable of return to prison within three years. It is no longer somebody else’s rehabilitation that transforms. We are poor stewards of taxpayer problem. Prisoner rehabilitation and reentry money if we basically ignore Second, government funding for efforts cannot be delivered by rehabilitation and thereby ensure increasing incarceration and bureaucrats. For starters, it is continued high recidivism rates. recidivism rates has reached the anything but a 9-to-5 job. Instead, There must be a renaissance of saturation point. they must be delivered through a commitment to rehabilitation by Third, in the last four years community of loving relationships everyone connected with the courageous efforts from conservative that are patient, nurturing, sacrificial, criminal justice system and most political leadership, most notably holistic, and able to sustain a importantly by the nonprofit sector. President George W. Bush, have put genuine long-term commitment to The purpose of this talk is to prisoner reentry initiatives and the the welfare of prisoners and ex- suggest that the winds of change are mentoring of prisoners’ children front prisoners. blowing across the face of America, and center on the political agenda. These efforts must be administered 6/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 by those who believe that darkness Mark Earley, former State Senator and Attorney General of Virginia, can be overcome by light, evil by became president of Prison Fellowship in 2002. As president and CEO of good, despair by hope, and addiction Prison Fellowship, Earley oversees the national ministry founded by Charles by freedom. They must be delivered Colson in 1976, which has since spread to 105 countries in addition to by men and women who believe in the . Prison Fellowship’s core commitments are hope and transformation even for fellowshipping with Jesus, visiting prisoners, and welcoming their children. In line with these commitments, PF works with thousands of churches those who have murdered, raped, and volunteers across the U.S. to disciple prisoners and prepare them to beaten, stolen, kidnapped, and been re-enter the community; to minister year-round to prisoners’ children bound by addictive behaviors. They through Christmas, camping, and mentoring programs; and to help redeem must believe that in spite of, and the culture by embracing, defending, and applying a clear biblical worldview. precisely because of, their past, Additionally, Earley serves as chairman of Operation Starting Line, a multi- ministry, interdenominational outreach to prisoners in America that is transformed prisoners and ex- helping the local and in-prison church provide in-prison evangelistic events, prisoners are uniquely situated to ongoing inmate mentoring, and post-prison assistance for ex-prisoners contribute to society because they and their families. have experienced brokenness, Earley, an attorney, practiced law for 15 years with the firm of Tavss, forgiveness, and restoration. Fletcher, Earley and King in Norfolk. He served in the Virginia State Senate Rehabilitation must focus on a from 1987 to 1997 and then served as the Attorney General of the transformation of the heart, Commonwealth of Virginia from 1997 to 2001. In 2001 he was the dispositions, and character. It must Republican candidate for of Virginia. equip prisoners with the knowledge From 1977 to 1982, Earley served on the staff of the Navigators, an and skills for productive work. It international evangelical ministry active on college campuses, military bases, and other settings. He served in campus ministry at the University must be characterized not by a ABOUT THE AUTHOR of the Philippines in Manila and in the U.S. at the West Chester University systems approach but by a relational in Pennsylvania and at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Earley (mentoring) approach. It must begin is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where he received a B.A. in prison and continue for up to two in religion. He earned a juris doctor degree from Marshall-Wythe School of years after release from prison—a Law. critical transitional stage. And since it cannot be provided primarily by the state, it must be provided by become personally involved in this The objection, of course, from nonprofits, including churches and community-based effort. some secularists will be that religion faith-based nonprofits such as The partnership between has no place in this endeavor. But it synagogues, mosques, etc. governments and nonprofits for is not their choice. It is the choice of A refocusing on the importance of purposes of rehabilitation and reentry the prisoner. And in the prisons of rehabilitation is not “soft on crime,” are not new. What is new is the America today, there is a deep and nor does it compromise public safety. large-scale interest developing abiding interest in things spiritual. So I would not advocate such an among nonprofits, the explosion of long as prisoners have freedom of emphasis if it did. Indeed, the state interest among faith-based religion and so long as they wish to has a duty to protect the public, nonprofits, and the willingness of pursue a changed life through their restore the victim, guard the nonprofits to spend their own money faith, they should be allowed to take treasury, and ensure the safety of as opposed to government grants. advantage of the resources available. inmates in prison. A commitment to Indeed, the renaissance in Rehabilitation, successful reentry rehabilitation is consistent with each rehabilitation spearheaded by into society, and reduced recidivism of these goals; correspondingly, a nonprofits need not be fueled by rates are long accepted goals of failure to provide rehabilitation government funds. Some limited government. Nonprofits, faith-based compromises each one of them. For application of grants may be helpful or not, that can provide a service that without rehabilitative efforts that in developing prototypes and has meets these goals should be allowed transform, inmates are more of a been instrumental in the start of to do so. Particularly in the arena of threat upon release than when they some new programs, but in the long aftercare or reentry, nonprofits and were sentenced, more victims are run the prison population is too large specifically faith-based nonprofits in created, more taxpayer money is and the needs in rehabilitation too the form of local churches are spent for the same thing over and intensely relational to be realistically uniquely well suited to engage in over again, and inmates are at a supported by the government. This rehabilitative and reentry efforts. greater risk of violence and criminal can and should be a movement If the external forces sparking an corruption in prison. Such an largely sustained by the fuel of attitude change in society at large understanding is leading to public philanthropy, and the correctional are the high incarceration rate, state support of bold new initiatives in system must welcome and adapt to budget woes, and a shift in rehabilitation and a willingness to the partnership. conservatives’ approach to crime,

APRIL/MAY 2005 THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL/7 what then is internally fueling the churches are VBA FOUNDATION increasingly moving into the prisons of America, which are littered with broken lives looking for a message and a MEMORIAL GIFTS model of forgiveness, love, and hope. Let me give just one significant example. In four prisons across the U.S, Prison Fellowship has developed VBA Foundation Memorial Contributions and staffs a program called the InnerChange Freedom Received as of April 14, 2005 Initiative, which immerses prisoners in a values-based environment taught from a biblical perspective. The in- In memory of Hunter B. Andrews prison portion—which addresses academics, life-skills Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Arrington Jr. training, spiritual development, and job preparation—is Mr. William R. Van Buren III followed by several months of post-prison support to ensure that released prisoners have the best opportunity In memory of James A. Betts Jr. to successfully reintegrate into society. For each Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Arrington Jr. program, hundreds of volunteers from local churches are The Virginia Bar Association recruited and trained to work with and mentor the ex- prisoners. In memory of Sam Eggleston Based on records for Prison Fellowship’s fiscal year Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Arrington Jr. ended in June 2004, of the 909 program participants (from all four prisons) who have been released from In memory of Tazewell Ellett prison so far, 90 percent have mentors, 86 percent are Mr. and Mrs. E. Tazewell Ellett involved with a church community, and 85 percent are gainfully employed. In a 2002 University of In memory of A.C. Epps Pennsylvania study that focused on the Texas program— Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Arrington Jr. the one in operation the longest—researchers found that Mr. and Mrs. E. Tazewell Ellett of those prisoners who completed the entire program, The Virginia Bar Association only eight percent were reincarcerated within a two-year period. In memory of Francis H. McGuire Jr. David Russell is one of those “success stories.” David Mr. and Mrs. E. Tazewell Ellett has described his first stint in prison as the state’s “attempt at rehabilitation — where all I learned was how In memory of Robert R. Merhige Jr. to do my crime a little better so I wouldn’t get caught.” Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Arrington, Jr. His second imprisonment — when he participated in the InnerChange Freedom Initiative—he calls a time of In memory of V.R. Shackelford Jr. “transformation: changing the heart” through a faith Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Arrington, Jr. relationship. The Virginia Bar Association Nonprofits must be allowed to operate within and Mr. and Mrs. E. Tazewell Ellett alongside the prison system. States must allow for innovation and experimentation with the guidelines of The Virginia Bar Association Foundation is organized ensuring public safety. There will be success and failures as a Section 501(c)(3) entity within the Internal along the way, but the system cannot get worse than it is Revenue Code to conduct and support charitable at present unless we do nothing but continue the status and educational purposes of The Virginia Bar quo. Association. Although the government should not forfeit its role in Gifts to the VBA Foundation in memory or in honor certain aspects of the rehabilitative process, the of a family member, friend or colleague, such as correctional system is unable to provide the web of those listed above, are welcomed. Contributions human nurture and love necessary to effect life-changing to the Foundation enable the continued funding of transformation in the lives of prisoners. the educational and public service programs which To be successful, such community-based nonprofits have distinguished the Association throughout its must be motivated by love for their fellow man and a history. deep-rooted conviction that life transformation is possible and is worthy of individual and community sacrifice. The VBA Foundation also offers the Patron Program, Many if not most of the nonprofits stepping up to the plate with three recognition levels for donors. are faith-based, others are not; but all should be welcome For more information about The Virginia Bar insofar as their methodology and purposes are not Association Foundation, please visit www.vba.org contrary to public policy and public safety, and all should or call the VBA office at (804) 644-0041. be held accountable for results. VBA 8/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 LEGAL FOCUS/DOMESTIC RELATIONS

Update to Summary of Post-1998 Rehabilitative Alimony Cases and Trends (September 2003-March 1, 2005) by Cheryl Watson Smith In 1997, the Legislature amended $573,000 and $872,000 per year. both testified to their Code § 20-107.11 to Wife maintained the home, had savings, so the trial court’s award include the option of awarding limited professional help and was gave appropriate consideration to the spousal support for a defined primary caregiver of Husband’s son parties’ pattern and custom of duration, in addition to spousal who visited several weeks each savings and investing a substantial support for an undefined duration or summer. Wife worked throughout the portion of their income throughout lump sum or any combination marriage, but testified she sacrificed the marriage. thereof. In the October/November her career to move several times 2004 edition of the VBA News with Husband, including a 1993 Unpublished Court of Appeals Journal, a look at the known move to Washington, D.C., for Cases: “rehabilitative alimony” cases Husband to be the CEO of his 1. Massa v. Massa.6 The trial court’s revealed that some defined duration company, which managed retirement award of permanent spousal support support awards were being made in assets. Husband argued that, based of $10,000 per month and no the extreme situations, i.e. long on Wife’s financial estate and access imputation of income to Wife was marriage, short award of support/ to retirement funds from the affirmed. The parties had been short marriage, permanent support. equitable distribution, a defined married for 17 years and had four Since September 2003, 10 cases duration award was “compelled.” children, 4-14 years of age. The were located, seven of which were The Court of Appeals disagreed. An Husband had a B.S. and earned from Fairfax. However, a few trends award of defined duration or $26,000 per month, plus other are emerging in these cases, at least undefined duration is discretionary incentives. The Wife had a B.A. in in Fairfax. with the court. The Court of Appeals English and a master’s in social noted that a “change in either party’s work, but she had never worked as a Published Court of Appeals position regarding support is more social worker. By agreement, the Case: properly addressed, not in speculated children alternated weeks in each 1. Miller v. Cox.2 The Court of anticipation of change, but in relation parent’s home. Appeals remanded the issue of to the current circumstances of the Husband asked the court to impute spousal support raised in Husband’s parties” and the award may be income to Wife. The party seeking 20033 appeal for reconsideration in altered upon a showing of a change imputation of income has the burden light of the Court’s reversal on in circumstances.4 of proving that the other party is several equitable distribution issues. In affirming the undefined voluntarily unemployed or under Then, in this Appeal, the trial court’s duration, the Court of Appeals also employed. Husband’s vocational award of $9,000 per month affirmed the trial court’s award of expert testified that Wife could work permanent support in this 15-year $9,000 per month, which included a as a social worker earning $32,000 marriage was affirmed. This was a substantial amount for retirement per year, even though the known jobs second marriage for both parties, savings. The Court of Appeals went required 2-3 years’ experience. The each with children from prior so far as to state that “[t]he parties’ expert opined that Wife’s master’s marriages. Both parties were in their savings plan during the marriage is degree was comparable to the 50s and healthy. Wife netted not only an appropriate required work experience, but approximately $25,000 per year and consideration, it is a mandatory admitted he had never placed a the trial court’s finding of a five one.”5 However, it is important to person in a position as a social percent return on her $1,700,000 note that both Husband and Wife worker. equitable distribution award was were committed to a savings The trial court considered all of affirmed. Husband earned between program during the marriage and Virginia Code7 § 20-107.1(E)

APRIL/MAY 2005 THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL/9 Cheryl Watson Smith has her own law firm, Cheryl Watson Smith, earned $130,000/year; Wife earned P.C., in Roanoke, and practices primarily in the area of family law, $11,352/year; grounds were Wife’s including complex property matters. She is a mediator certificed by adultery, and the court expressly the Supreme Court of Virginia and mediates cases by private and court found that complete denial of support referral. She was previously a partner in the law firm of Mundy, Rogers & Frith, L.L.P. Ms. Smith is a graduate of the University of Virginia and would be a manifest injustice. Four the University of Richmond’s T.C. Williams School of Law, where she and one-half year reservation (half of was a member of the University of Richmond Law Review and co- the length of the marriage). chaired the Client Counseling and Negotiation Board. She has been in 2. Abraham v. Bereketab.14 $4,000 the private practice of law since 1988. Among her numerous

AUTHOR professional activities, she serves as vice chair of the VBA Domestic lump sum support, stressed short

ABOUT THE Relations Section Council, is a member of the VBA Committee on duration of marriage. This was Federal Judgeships (Western District) and lectures frequently on almost a four-year marriage; family law issues and mediation. Husband earned $5,578/month; Wife earned $2,427/month; one child, factors, including the length of the almost a 12-year marriage with two custody with Wife. The lump sum marriage, the very high standard of minor children. Husband earned was to assist Wife to find housing living, the disparate income levels, $74,400 per year. Wife earned comparable to the marital standard of and, as required by factor (E)(11), $9,756 per year. By agreement, living. the parties’ decision during the Wife stayed home while the children 3. Hoegle v. Hoegle15 $5,500/ marriage regarding employment, were young. She had returned to month permanent support, rejecting career and parenting arrangements. work in 1998 and contributed to the Husband’s argument for defined The trial court found that the parties family finances. Husband earned duration support. This was a 22-year had agreed Wife would stay home significantly more than Wife did, but marriage; one child, living with with the children; that the children the court found he provided equal Husband; Husband had a law degree; still needed her assistance to some non-monetary contributions. The Wife had a B.A. in health care extent; and, that even if Wife could Wife was healthy, able to work and administration. The court found Wife go back to work, she was limited in there were no special circumstances could earn $40,000/year, but not what she could do because she “had with the children. more due to her alcoholism, prior put aside her career employment 3. Block v. Block.11 The trial court’s unsuccessful treatment and her goals, consistent with her educational award of permanent support of absence from the job market at times background” to further the parties’ $1,500 per month was affirmed. The during the marriage. understanding that she would stay parties separated in 1998 after a 4. Goldman v. Goldman.16 $3,000/ home with the children which nine-year marriage. The divorce was month for 13 years and Husband permitted “husband’s career to awarded August 3, 2004. There were pays mortgage until marital flourish.”8 It was reasonable for the three minor children, one with a residence sold, no stated basis. This trial court to conclude that the special need (learning disability). By was a 21-year marriage; Husband parties’ agreement for Wife not to agreement, the Wife worked part- was 53 and Wife 52; two children, work outside the home for 14 years time (32 hours per week) as a nurse one in college, one with Wife; Wife’s negatively affected her earning earning $50,000 per year. Husband two-year nursing training was in capacity and career opportunities at attended dental school during the 1971 and the Court accepted her divorce. marriage. He averaged over expert’s opinion that a 10-month Husband feared that the trial $150,000 per year. The trial court refresher training course was needed, court’s use of the term “permanent based its award upon the income, rejecting Husband’s expert’s support” as opposed to support “for earning capacities, standard of living testimony that a five-week refresher an undefined duration” foreclosed the during the marriage, monetary and course would suffice. The Court court’s ability to modify the award. non-monetary contributions, special expressly did not impute income to The Court of Appeals has needs of the child, education and Wife, so support could not have been consistently held that a court award parenting arrangements during the rehabilitative. There were of permanent support is subject to marriage and the effect of the considerable retirement funds modification if the circumstances parenting arrangements on present divided, so since support expired change. Moreover, § 20-109(A) and future earning potential.12 when Wife turned 65 it is possible permits the court to increase, that the limited duration award was decrease or terminate the amount or Circuit Court Opinions: meant to support the Wife until social duration of any spousal support or 1. Heiche v. Heiche.13 $1,000/month security and retirement benefits maintenance.9 for four years, no stated basis. This became payable, but the court did 2. Holland v. Holland.10 The was a nine-year marriage; three not state this expressly. trial court’s award of $700 per month children, custody with Wife; 5. Crawford v. Crawford.17 $1,200/ for six years was affirmed. This was Husband with a college degree month for 24 months, no stated basis

10/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 and essentially no findings, except considered short. both a permanent and a defined the short duration of the marriage. Defined duration awards are not as duration or a lump sum award. A This was a 4-year marriage; each prevalent in long marriages, except “combination” award may be a had children for whom Wife cared to meet the support needs until a reasonable alternative in cases during the marriage; Husband, 46, pension and/or social security where the support recipient can work had a college degree and was benefits begin. (Goldman) But, in and meet part of his or her needs but employed with General Dynamics; Miller, with the focus on retirement will never reach the income level of Wife, 37, had an associate degree, savings, the court rejected the support payor in order to paralegal certificate and was working Husband’s contention that Wife’s maintain the marital standard of toward a B.A. Husband had been ample retirement compelled a living. After a long marriage, in supportive of Wife’s educational defined duration award. A financial which an entitlement to permanent endeavors. Each party was granted a planner may be of assistance in these support exists, most of the cases just reservation. cases to show the level of support award it. However, in the appropriate 6. Edgar v. Edgar.1 $750/month for needed until retirement benefits case, consider seeking an award of a three years, rehabilitative award to commence, and to determine lesser amount of permanent support, cover Wife’s educational expenses.2 whether the expected benefits will combined with a limited term award, This was an 18-year marriage; meet the spouse’s financial needs for to give an employable support Husband, 44, was retired military the spouse’s life expectancy. If the recipient an opportunity and an and each spouse received a portion court bases its award upon a specific incentive to find employment. of his retired pay; Wife, 42, amount of expected future retirement A lump sum award as part of the supported Husband’s career through benefits, it is particularly important combination could cover education many moves. At the time of trial, that the amount be stated in the and retraining costs, but the lump Wife was caring for the parties’ order, so that the award can be sum, once awarded, does not child, working overtime, and already modified if unforeseen circumstances terminate, even upon remarriage, in a three-year part time nursing (e.g., another boom or crash in the and cannot be modified. A defined program earning her B.N. The court stock market, or possible major duration award provides more stated that the three-year award was amendments to Social Security) flexibility and if the basis of the to permit Wife to complete school result in retirement benefits greater award is clearly stated, then it will be without having to continue to work or smaller than expected. more apparent if the award needs to overtime and to put herself in a The court must (1) make written be modified in amount or duration, if better position to support herself in findings on the factors in § 20-107.1 the circumstances change during the the future. (E) and (2) explain the basis for any defined duration. Once the duration defined duration award.20 Except for ends, the defined award terminates; Trends: Crawford and Heiche, the cases are but, the lesser amount of the From these cases, several trends doing a fairly good job on the first permanent award continues to are emerging, at least in Fairfax: requirement, making findings on the address, without the necessity of Defined duration awards are 20-107.1(E) factors. However, further litigation (hopefully), the increasingly common in very short except for Edgar, the courts are issues of maintaining the standard of marriages. Although the cases do not essentially failing to identify the basis living, the disparity in incomes, explicitly state this, the emphasis on for the nature and duration of the financial sacrifices made during the the short duration of the marriages defined duration award. If marriage and damages to the implies that the Wife (in these cases) appropriate, the court is to specify recipient spouse’s long-term earning had not made enough of a financial the events and circumstances capacity. sacrifice or had not suffered damage reasonably contemplated by the to her long-term earning capacity to court, which supports the award for a Practice Pointers: have a permanent entitlement to the defined duration. The failure to · Request or remind the court to marital standard of living. Marriages explain the basis for the defined make findings. of five years or less are typically duration is clear error. Without an · If appropriate, have a financial being considered a short marriage. If explanation, a future court will not expert testify to the level of support both spouses work and there are no know why the limited term was needed until retirement; the amount children, then a marriage a few years awarded and will not have a basis to of retirement benefits expected to be longer than five is still being determine whether to extend or available; and, whether the level of considered short. However, if there contract the term or the amount of retirement will meet the spouse are children early on and one spouse the award. financial needs. stops working to care for the Although fairly common in other · Submit draft findings and draft child(ren), then a marriage of less states, conspicuous by its absence in explanation of the basis to the court than five years may not be Virginia are reported cases making for consideration.

APRIL/MAY 2005 THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL/11 · If no findings or basis is given, of the amendments see Peter N. Swisher et. support in JDR in April 1998. The divorce al., Virginia Family Law: Theory and Practice was filed after the July 1, 1998 amendments preserve the objection for appeal by § 9-6.1 (2003 ed.) to 20-107.1. The trial court refused to state stating “The court erred by failing to 2. 44 Va. App. 674, 607 S.E.2d 126 (2005). whether the amended version of the statute make the findings and conclusions Case from City of Alexandria. applied as Husband requested. The trial court 3. Miller v. Miller, Unpublished, Record No. articulated factors in the amended version required by Virginia Code § 20- 2261-02-4 (July 15, 2003). Case from City of of the statute. The Court of Appeals found 107.1(F), and by failing to state Alexandria. that those factors were encompassed under clearly the events and circumstances 4. Miller v. Cox, 44 Va. App. at ___. the “such other factors” of the prior version 5. Id. at ___. of the statute. supporting an award of spousal 6. Unpublished, Record No. 0843-03-4 13. 2004 WL 1879209 (Fairfax July 21, 2004). support for a limited duration.” (March 30, 2004). Case from Fairfax County. 14. 2004 WL 877842 (Fairfax March 31, Perhaps next year more judges 7. All references are to the 1950, Code of 2004). Virginia, as amended unless otherwise 15. 2004 WL 351145 (Fairfax February 9, will have defined duration (or denial stated. 2004). of defined duration) cases which they 8. Id. 16. 2003 WL 23272407 (Fairfax December feel are appropriate to report, since 9. Note also, Pappas v. Pappas, Unpublished, 29, 2003). 2004 WL 1822345 (Ct. App. August 17, 2004): 17. 2003 WL 23272405 (Fairfax November identifying the trends and the basis separation agreement allowing “increase or 24, 2003). for the trends provides more decrease” in spousal support did not allow 18. 2003 WL 22779080 (Fairfax November guidance to practitioners, which may modification of duration. This case states 12, 2003). quite clearly that duration could be modified 19. Court stated its findings and gave a clear increase the settlement opportunities if the award had been made by a court explanation of the basis for the award which for spousal support cases. VBA (otherwise, the contract construction issue is an example of a trial court getting all of the would be irrelevant). So, if you want the § 20-107.1 procedures exactly right. duration to be modifiable, use broad 20. § 20-107.1(F) provides two requirements: NOTES modification language. E.g., “Spousal support In contested cases in the circuit courts, any 1. See B. Turner, “Spousal Support In a Time may be increased, decreased or terminated order granting, reserving or denying a request of Transition: Recent Changes in Virginia in amount or duration by a court of competent for spousal support shall be accompanied Spousal Support Law,” Fourth Annual Virginia jurisdiction based upon a material change by written findings and conclusions of the Chapter of the American Academy of in circumstances.” court identifying the factors in subsection (E) Matrimonial Lawyers CLE (October, 1998) for 10. Unpublished, Record No. 1231-04-3 which support the court’s order. If the court an outline summarizing Virginia and non- (December 7, 2004). Case from Roanoke awards periodic support for a defined Virginia law on the issue of rehabilitative City. duration, such findings shall identify the alimony; Rehabilitative Alimony and the 11. Unpublished, Record No. 2059-04-2 basis for the nature, amount and duration of Reservation of Spousal Support in Divorce (March 1, 2005). Case from Chesterfield the award and, if appropriate, a specification Proceedings, House Doc. No. 55 (1997); For County. of the events and circumstances reasonably a discussion of the general history of the 12. An interesting procedural question was contemplated by the court, which support legislation, the jurisdiction and applicability raised in this case. Wife filed for spousal the award.

SoftPro ad

12/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 The 2005 VBA Legislative Review BIlls which passed both houses and were signed by the Governor are in boldface; all others are in regular type. AREA OF PRACTICE BILL INFORMATION/NOTES/STATUS Access HB 1596, Del. Black, R-Sterling, incorporates HB 1516, Del. Reese, R-Oak Hill; HB 2814, Del. McDonnell, R-Virginia Beach. Support increases in compensation for indigent defense counsel. Bills to Justice passed in House Courts but tabled in House Committee on Appropriations. Support initiatives of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission. Support initiatives for funding civil legal services. HB 2208, Del. Marrs, R-Richmond. Additional fee collected in civil case filings to be deposited into criminal fund. VBA opposed; failed in House Courts. HB 2628, Del. Albo, R-Springfield. Provide tolling of time limitations on habeas petitions where petition is based on attorney’s failure. Passed both houses; signed by Governor.

SB 933, Sen. Stosch, R-Henrico. Technical changes pertaining to LLCs. Passed both houses; signed Business Law by Governor. SB 1228, Sen. Stosch, R-Henrico. Revisions to the Virginia Stock Corporation Act. Passed both houses; signed by Governor.

Civil Litigation Section: Civil Pre-suit disclosure coverage. Litigation/ SB 1018, Sen. Mims, R-Leesburg. General verdict accompanied by answers to interrogatories. Passed Boyd-Graves both houses; signed by Governor. SB 830, Sen. Mims, R-Leesburg. Taxable costs awarded to prevailing parties. Stricken by patron. To be Conference reviewed in interim with Supreme Court. Underinsurance coverage: notice. Tabled by VBA Board. Clarifying discovery of expert witnesses. Possible handoff to Boyd-Graves. HB 2010, Del. Armstrong, D-Martinsville. Clarifying impact, if any, of changes in statutory judgment interest rate on existing judgments. Passed both houses with Senate amendment; signed by Governor. HB 1520, Del. Janis, R-Glen Allen. Pro se litigation; closely held corporations. Expands authority of nonlawyer appearances in General District Court. VBA opposed. Failed in House Courts. SB 1118, Sen. Norment, R-Williamsburg. Create a single form of pleading for civil actions. Endorsed by Judicial Council. Passed both Houses; signed by Governor. Effective 1/1/06. Boyd-Graves Conference: Amending Rule 5:6(b) of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. SB 827, Sen. Mims, R-Leesburg. Amending Va. Code 8.01-417(B) to share subpoenaed documents in civil cases. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. SB 790, Sen. Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg. Amending Va. Code 8.01-428(c) to extend the time to pursue post-trial relief. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. HB 2654, Del. Hurt, R-Chatham. Amending Va. Code 8.01-420.4 concerning the place for taking depositions. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. SB 1123, Sen. Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg. Amending Va. Code 8.01 to provide waiver of service of process akin to Federal Rule 4. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. SB 1019, Sen. Mims, R-Leesburg. Amending various provisions of the Va. Code to limit use of Social Security information in docketing judgments and other public filings.Addresses divorce proceedings. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. Amending Va. Code 8.01-272 adopting “same transaction or occurrence test” for res judicata. Deferred to 2006 session. HB 2174, Del. Johnson, D-Abingdon. Amending Va. Code 8.01-398 and 19.2-271.2 regarding privileged marital communications. Passed both houses with Senate substitute; signed by Governor. Removing distinction between attorney-issued and court-issued subpoenae. Deferred to 2006 session. Amending Rule 4:79 (a)(4)(B) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia regarding use of expert deposition at trial. HB 2652, Del. Hurt, R-Chatham. Amending Va. Code 8.01 and 18.2-344 to permit use of unsworn declarations. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. Endorsing resolution supporting formation of Family Court and endorsing funding to do so. APRIL/MAY 2005 THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL/13 AREA OF PRACTICE BILL INFORMATION/NOTES/STATUS HB 2246, Del. Bell, R-Albemarle. Guardian ad litem standards. Oppose as introduced. Referred to Commission Criminal Law Subcommittee of House Committee on Courts of Justice. Bill tabled. on the Needs of Children

HB 2283, Del. Janis, R-Glen Allen. Regarding contractual disputes; amendments to the Virginia Public Construction Procurement Act. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. & Public Contracts Law

HB 1754, Del. Janis, R-Glen Allen, and HB 2265, Del. Bell, R-Albemarle. Embracery; penalty. Provides Criminal Law that any person who attempts to corruptly influence a juror is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. HB 1754 rolled into HB 2265. Referred to Crime Commission for study.

No new initiatives. Will closely monitor all family law-related legislation that arises. Typical high Domestic volume of bills, but again, most negative legislation avoided. Relations/ Assist in securing budget amendment granting the Judicial Council additional time to study the issue Family Law of family courts in Virginia.

HB 2601, Del. Landes, R-Weyers Cave. Medical assistance services; establishing more restrictive Elder Law asset transfer limit. VBA opposed. Passed House; left in Senate Committee on Finance. Possible study by section. Support advocacy of long-term care partnership program legislation that may arise during the session.

Environment, HB 1752, Del. Janis, R-Glen Allen. Administrative Process Act; judicial review. Support clarification of the declaratory judgment statute. Passed House; referred to Senate Committee on Courts of Justice, Natural assigned to Administrative Process Subcommittee; left in Senate Committee on Courts of Justice. Resources & Energy Law

HB 2237, Del. O’Bannon, R-Henrico.Virginia Self Referral Act clarification. Passed both houses; Health Law signed by Governor. HB 2243, Del. O’Bannon, R-Henrico. Certificate of Public Need revision. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. Corporate practice of medicine. Not introduced this year, but will study with Business Law Section. Major medical records legislation resulting from a study done with the Joint Commission on Health Care. Legislation includes the following bills: HB 2514, Del. O’Bannon, R-Henrico; HB 2515, Del. O’Bannon, R-Henrico; and HB 2516, Del. O’Bannon, R-Henrico. Plus: HB 2363, Del. Melvin, D-Portsmouth; SB 1064, Sen. Martin, R-Chesterfield; SB 1109, Sen. Blevins, R- Chesapeake; SB 1110, Sen. Blevins, R-Chesapeake; SB 1203, Sen. Mims, R-Leesburg. All passed both houses in block passage; signed by Governor. HB 1753, Del. Janis, R-Glen Allen. Exempt Department of Medical Assistance Services from Adminis- trative Process Act in part. Defeated in House Committee on Courts of Justice.

HB 1520, Del. Janis, R-Glen Allen. Oppose/modify pro se representation for nonlawyers beyond Small Law Practice Claims Court. Modified substitute re-referred to House Courts of Justice subcommittee and stricken Management from docket there.

Oppose HB 961 carried over from 2004: Guardianship or conservatorship for individuals with mental Needs of the retardation (Del. Barlow, D-Smithfield). Left in House Committee on Courts of Justice, 12/04. Mentally Oppose SB 507 carried over from 2004: Judicial authorization of treatment and detention of incapaci- Disabled tated persons. SB 507 left in Senate Committee on Education and Health, 12/04. Support SB 1017, Sen. Mims, R-Leesburg, in modified form for 2005. Passed both houses with amendment; signed by Governor. Monitor SB 640 carried over from 2004: Mentally ill defendants (Sen. Edwards, D-Roanoke). Left in Senate Committee on Courts of Justice, 12/04.

14/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 AREA OF PRACTICE BILL INFORMATION/NOTES/STATUS

Oppose SB 982, Sen.Watkins, R-Midlothian. Title insurance; policies or contracts to be based upon Real Estate published risk rates, penalty. Failed in Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor. Support HB 2821, Del. Suit, R-Virginia Beach. Title insurance; allows companies to charge negotiated risk rates. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. HB 2052, Del. Nixon, R-Richmond. Internet access to court records. Passed both houses; extends sunset provision of controls two years to 7/1/07; signed by Governor. SB 992 and SB 1192, Sen. Devolites Davis, R-Vienna. Access to court land records; establishes Real Property Recording Act and authorizes certain secure remote access. Passed both houses; extends sunset provision of controls two years to 7/1/07; signed by Governor.

Endorse formation of a Tax Court. Deferred to 2006; section will study the appropriateness of a Tax Taxation Court. Recommend solutions to modify the “excessive delay” in dealing with administrative tax protests. HB 2679, Del. Lingamfelter, R-Woodbridge. Eliminate local tax “pay to play” rule. Passed both houses with Senate substitute; Governor’s recommendation received by House.Passed both houses; signed by Governor. Real Estate Tax Appeal initiative. Tabled by VBA. Support enactment of uniform procedures for protesting real property taxes.

Reintroduce former HB 139 from 2004 (failed) to lift restrictions on family members as witnesses of Wills, Trusts advance medical directives. Support HB 2584, Del. Kilgore, R-Gate City. Passed both houses; signed & Estates by Governor. SB 891, Sen. Mims, R-Leesburg. Sets out Uniform Trust Code of NCCUSL in Virginia. Passed both houses with House amendment to delay effective date to 7/1/06; Governor’s recommendation received by Senate. Passed both houses; signed by Governor. HB 1715, Del. Kilgore, R-Gate City. Investment protection restriction of the “legal list” of securities afforded fiduciaries (follows HB 140 from 2004). Passed both houses; signed by Governor. Open space easement legislation carried over from 2004. Oppose. Carryover passed over.

APRIL/MAY 2005 THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL/15 YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION Law School Councils serve and socialize by R. Braxton Hill IV, Chair, VBA Young Lawyers Division

For nearly 50 years, The and elections will take place in through which the UR students Virginia Bar Association’s Young mid-April. collected a carload of donations for Lawyers Division has given newly- The George Mason University the Safe Harbor Shelter in minted Virginia lawyers the Law School Council is likewise Richmond. Additionally, student opportunity to undertake pro bono going strong. On April 10, the member Jackie Wilbur has service, to develop leadership GMU LSC will lend a hand with the implemented a mentor program skills and to forge Arlington Food that matches UR law students with friendships that span Assistance Center’s local attorneys. The students and the length of careers “Canstruction” lawyers have enjoyed several as well as the breadth competition, which social events in the past few of the Commonwealth. showcases structures months, including a Richmond With modest fanfare created of donated RiverDogs hockey game, and they but tremendous nonperishable foods plan to square off on the kickball success, the by local architectural diamond in the near future. Much Association recently firms. The students to the dismay of VBA President extended those will help dismantle Meath, kilts will not be permitted benefits of the contest entries on the field of play. membership in the and organize the In November the University of Young Lawyers donated food for Virginia Law School Council Division to law distribution to needy welcomed remarks by Ted Ellett, students, who represent the next Arlington families. On the now the Association’s past generation of bar leaders. To sow organizational front, the GMU LSC president. UVA LSC President the seeds of bar service among has drafted a new constitution and Adam Brink reports that the these future leaders of our has recruited a faculty sponsor, address shed a great deal of light profession, the Young Lawyers Prof. John L. Costello. The on the Association’s current Division established Law School students anticipate receiving programs, goals and concerns, and Councils (LSCs) across Virginia. A recognition by the school as an also made a strong case for student brief glimpse at the achievements official student organization by the membership in the UVA LSC. In of our law student members reveals end of the semester, which February, the UVA LSC organized how felicitous that decision has recognition would entail eligibility a panel discussion entitled proved to be. for funding through the Student Bar “Serving the Public in the Private The Law School Council for the Association. New officer elections Sector” for the law school’s Public Appalachian School of Law has are scheduled for mid-April. Service Conference. Three adopted the ASL Memorial 5K The University of Richmond Law members of the Association served Run/Walk as its Community School Council was busy in as panelists for the standing-room- Service project. The proceeds of February with its Elder Law only seminar, providing a distinct the race benefit the Anthony Sutin Symposium, which was moderated and well-received local flavor to and Thomas Blackwell Endowment by Christopher M. McCarthy, chair the broad range of subjects Scholarship Funds, and the ASL of the VBA Elder Law Section. addressed over the Conference LSC greatly appreciates the Law student Helen Baucom weekend. With elections on the Association’s financial support of spearheaded the event, garnering horizon, the Council is laying the the event. As a sponsor, the 89 registrants, including 30 law foundation for another productive Association receives prominent students, three professors and year. billing on race fliers and T-shirts. approximately 50 attorneys from as Representatives of the William Victoria Schawl, the current ASL far away as Tidewater and and Mary Law School Council LSC secretary/treasurer, reports Roanoke. In March, the UR LSC joined us at the Annual Meeting in that the students have nominated held a “Necessities Drive” contest Williamsburg, and the students are officer candidates for next year, with the William and Mary LSC, planning a membership and

16/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 Be a shining star — sign up for the VBA Community Service Program in 2005! The VBA Community Service Program wants you... and your law partners... and the members of your local bar association to shine this year! As the Community Service Program enters its second year, its Council members are determined to increase the number of participants across the state. Based on comments from attorneys and judges who have University of Richmond law students mingled with elder law practitioners at the Elder certified their service hours for 2004, Law Symposium sponsored by the UR Law School Council in March, which featured doing good does one good — and the lawyer Shawn Majette of Richmond as its keynote speaker (above). Community Service Program is networking social event for mid- Committee is formulating working to spread that good feeling April. Demonstrating its guidelines for making the throughout the Commonwealth with its “Make the Commitment” drive, commitment to community service, Community Service Program March 1-May 31, 2005. the W&M LSC collected donations available to students, faculty, for the Avalon Center for Women administration and staff at law All Community Service Program participants for 2004 and 2005 will and Children as part of the schools throughout Virginia. be part of the CSP Charter Club and “Necessities Drive” contest with Thanks to the efforts of that publicly recognized for their service the UR LSC. The W&M LSC thanks committee, which includes student contributions. You’ll want to see your outgoing officers Kelly Street, Brad members Karen Jordan name on the Charter Club list! Reeves, and Sarah Edmondson, as (Appalachian), Jodie Herrman Remember, the VBA Community well as 2L officer Rachel (George Mason ), Joseph Verser Service Program doesn’t cost Juhas, who will remain with the (Regent), Scott Hulgan (University anything (no dues, no fees); you don’t Council next year. of Richmond), Kristin Glover have to be a VBA member; and it’s not In the rolling hills of Lexington, (University of Virginia), Sarah a mandatory program with a bunch of the Washington and Lee Law Wayland (Washington and Lee) and records to keep. School Council hosted a cocktail Elizabeth Bircher (William and All you have to do is visit the reception on February 10 at the Mary), the Association hopes to Community Service Program page on W&L Alumni House, drawing 20 implement the Community Service the VBA website at www.vba.org, print law students and seven lawyers. Program at Virginia’s seven ABA- out a commitment form for “VBA Pro The students are looking forward to accredited law schools at the start Bono Servant” or “VBA Community hosting a similar event in Roanoke of the 2005-06 academic year. Servant” and complete it, then send this fall. The foregoing is by no means an it to the VBA office. In addition to the laudable work exhaustive list of the contributions You’ll commit yourself to perform 50 of our law student members through made to our Association, our hours of pro bono publico legal service the VBA/YLD Law School Councils, profession and our communities or nonlegal community service this year. (Let’s face it, many attorneys law students also play a key role in over the past few months by our do much more than 50 hours of the Association’s Community law student members, who must service every year.) Later, you’ll Service Program, which balance their bar service with the receive a form to report your service encourages attorneys across the demands of family life, course to the VBA, and early in 2006 the Commonwealth to make an annual loads and job searches. Reflected Association will publicly recognize commitment of 50 hours of pro glory shines brightest, and based those lawyers who have completed bono legal service, 50 hours of on the dedication, initiative and and reported their service. nonlegal community service, or a leadership shown by these Questions? Just call us at (804) 644- mix of both. Under the leadership students, we can take comfort in 0041 if you don’t find all the details of William and Mary’s Dean Robert the knowledge that the Young you need on the website. Make your E. Kaplan, the Community Service Lawyers Division will be in good commitment today and shine your Program’s Law School Outreach hands for years to come. VBA service talents on your community!

APRIL/MAY 2005 THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL/17 could find a way to go down to COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM/YLD South America to get her. So that’s where I want to go.” This little creature, herself devoid of the comforts that we off-the-hill Whitcomb Dreams dwellers take for granted, betwixt dirty and poor, and exposed to A lawyer’s life lessons from his lunch buddy hopelessness at every turn, still she clings to hope. And not for herself, by Brooks M. Smith not for her own survival or satisfaction, but for a little creature “There is a place where the soon become big. even less fortunate than she, remote sidewalk ends…” We do not often talk about but bonded by irreducible reality. important things. Mostly, we I was stunned, nearly fell off my And each time I cross the tracks critique the cafeteria food, play chair, nearly burst into tears. I felt and ascend the hill, past boarded-up silly games with fruit roll-ups, and like the Grinch when he heard the apartments and junkyard dogs, to the compete to see who can drink their Whos down in Whoville singing windswept plain known as Whitcomb chocolate milk the fastest. their sweet song in spite of their Court, I think about how remote the Sometimes, we go to the library loss, felt like the weight of a merry poetry of Shel Silverstein is after lunch so that she can read to hundred-pound iron had been lifted from this garbled concrete outpost. me. So ponderous, but urgent with from my chest, felt like I could sit There are no crimson rays or the need to sound out each word, to there forever listening to this little songbirds or peppermint clouds here. make some sense of the story line, creature beside me, her voice now Just rows of two-story tenements — as if it were all foreign to her. sweet with crimson rays and seemingly abandoned in the cool Lately, she’s delighted in hearing songbirds and peppermint clouds. light of day — and a squat public about my own little girl’s belabored There is a place where the building styled Whitcomb Court efforts to speak, to sound out sidewalk ends, and it is not too far Elementary School. simple words like “moon” and from here. Few follow the path This is a place of nearly “mommy,” as if these girls were there, and even fewer follow it out. undeniable squalor. A place that confidants in a confused world of It is a place of overwhelming need, strains minute by desperate minute vowels and silent letters. nearly unfixable, almost forgotten. against the hopelessness that seeps Last week, I asked Derrica if But it also is a place of children, in through broken windows, she’d ever been on a trip, ever and hope, and from time to time, cracked walls and sole-less shoes. ventured to a faraway place. She impossible beauty. Lunch is served A place of Sisyphean struggle. looked at me as if I had asked a promptly at 12:20, so don’t be late And yet, through it all, it is a place nonsensical question. And I or you might miss it. of children. Hungry, but impelled by realized that I had, so I quickly re- youthful energy. Their dreams and phrased it. “Yes we’ll walk with a walk that worries like wet frescos, immovable “Derrica, if you could take a trip is measured and slow, in spite of the chaos, but alive with anywhere in the world, where would “And we’ll go where the chalk- emotion and contrast. you go?” white arrows go, Every so often — not nearly as She furrowed her little brow and “For the children, they mark, often as I would like — I venture up then said, more unequivocally than I and the children, they know, the hill to eat lunch in the school could have imagined, “South “The place where the sidewalk cafeteria with a little girl named America.” ends.” VBA Derrica. She’s halfway through the “But why there?” I thought and fourth grade, quixotic, outspoken, then asked aloud. Brooks Smith is an associate at Hunton & Williams LLP in Richmond and is the occasionally querulous, and always She looked sheepish for a immediate past chair of the VBA ebullient at the sight of her lunch minute, and then explained. Environment, Natural Resources and buddy. She’s surely as poor as the “There’s a little girl that comes on Energy Law Section. In addition to writing rest, as exposed to the realities of the TV sometimes, her name is Jenny, this essay about his “lunch buddy,” he projects as her many siblings, or her and she’s very, very poor. She recently read it to listeners on National Public Radio. For information on becoming rasorial mom, or her absentee dad, doesn’t have a family, or a home, a “lunch buddy” for a Richmond or her impossibly young or food. I asked my mom if we elementary student, please contact VBA grandmother. In the two years that could adopt her, so that she could Young Lawyers Division Richmond Mentor we have dined together, she seems to come live with us. My mom said Program Co-Chairs Andrew Sherrod at have grown 10, a little person too that would be okay, but only if we (804) 697-1231 or Caroline Browder at (804) 782-7643. 18/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH Candidates, CLEs, cooking, and much more: the VBA Summer Meeting is the place to be ! July 14-17, 2005, The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Major party candidates ABA President Grey will moderate panelists’ continue VBA tradition discussion of lawyer professionalism and values of gubernatorial debates The organized Richmond will moderate a panel of bar’s role in leading figures within the legal overseeing profession, including former Chief professionalism Justice Thomas Zlaket of the in the legal Arizona Supreme Court and community will University of Illinois Law Dean be considered Heidi Hurd, who will discuss during a general mandatory and voluntary efforts of session on monitoring lawyer professionalism. Friday, July 15, Grey The program is presented by the Kilgore Kaine during the VBA VBA Committee on Special Issues Summer Meeting. of National and State Importance Former Attorney General Jerry American Bar Association and the VBA Law Practice Kilgore (R) and Lieutenant Governor President Robert J. Grey Jr. of Management Division. (D), the projected gubernatorial candidates of their respective parties, have accepted Books and cooks: Adriana Trigiani will present her The Virginia Bar Association’s invitation to debate at the Summer new novel and join in a family-style culinary demo Meeting, continuing a decades-long tradition of holding opening debates of statewide political campaigns at VBA Summer Meetings. The debate will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at The Greenbrier. Professor Robert D. Holsworth, director of the L. School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, will serve as moderator. VBA President Jim Meath voiced the pleasure of the Association’s Board of Governors at the candidates’ commitment to the event. “We believe this will give both men an excellent platform and afford citizens an early look at a major decision that will be made in Author Adriana Trigiani (seated L) will visit the Summer Meeting as part of her national book tour, reading from her new release Rococo on Friday afternoon and November 2005,” he said. joining her mother and sisters (above; VBA member Pia Trigiani is standing at L) and More information will be posted on The Greenbrier’s chefs for a culinary demonstration on Saturday, featuring dishes the VBA website at www.vba.org. from her recent compilation of recipes and memories, Cooking with My Sisters. 20/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 CLE schedule offers VPLC seeks entries for its 2005 juried variety of subjects, photo exhibition, ‘Through Different Eyes’ The Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) has issued a call for entries in its formats, presenters 2005 juried photographic exhibition. The following continuing legal “Through Different Eyes: The Faces of Poverty in Virginia” is a large-scale education programs, listed with their effort to capture through visual images the lives of those in our society who are sponsoring entities, will be offered most invisible. The project intends to educate the public through art about the lives of low-income families and individuals in Virginia. These families share at the VBA Summer Meeting: many qualities that are universal — including triumphs and tragedies, pleasure Videotape Presentation: “Eye of the and sorrow, pride and pain, sacrifice and excess, courage and fear, love and Beholder: Client Perceptions of Ethics anger, spirituality and thoughtlessness. VPLC specifically seeks entries that Issues in Intellectual Property Law avoid stereotypes and instead explore the varieties of daily experience and (Further Expanded and Enhanced),” singular moments shared by our neighbors. Intellectual Property and Information The Honorary Committee, led by Governor , will invite the Technology Law Section. finalists and the community to a public exhibit and awards celebration this fall “Tips on Effective Advocacy in in Richmond. VPLC, working with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and Legal Aid Arbitration,” Civil Litigation Section. Societies in Virginia, will tour the exhibit throughout Virginia, thereby “Fifth Annual Review of Criminal guaranteeing maximum exposure for the project. Additionally, VPLC will work Law Decisions of the Virginia Supreme with the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts and the T.C. Court,” a presentation by Prof. Ronald Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond to produce a publication J. Bacigal, Criminal Law Section. that incorporates selected photography, testimonials, and essays on the social “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye: Dealing justice aspects of poverty law in Virginia. The Virginia Bar Association and with a Substance Abuser in Family Law McGuireWoods LLP are assisting with public relations for the competition, Matters,” Domestic Relations Section, exhibit, and publication. Judicial Section, and Virginia Joint The nationally-recognized jury for the exhibition includes Robert Sullivan, the Alternate Dispute Resolution long-time editor of LIFE magazine, LIFE.com, and LIFE Books; Brooks Johnson, Committee. the photography curator from the Chrysler Museum; Tom Rankin, executive “The FLSA Today: Fair Pay or Foul director of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University; and Willie E. Play?” Labor Relations and Williams, a celebrated photographer, curator, and educator. The jury will select Employment Law Section. images that portray the courage and dignity of low-income families and General Session: “Professionalism: individuals in the Commonwealth of Virginia. How Can Lawyers, Judges and the While the focus is regional by definition, any photographer may enter the Organized Bar Restore Our Values?” competition. Rules for entrants and an entry form are available online at Law Practice Management Division and www.vplc.org. Dates for submitting work for consideration run from March 1 Committee on Special Issues of through June 30, 2005. National and State Importance (see For more information about the work of VPLC, please visit www.vplc.org. related article on facing page). General Session: “Conflicts Between Lawyers and Their Clients II,” an interactive ethics presentation by For members only: password protection Thomas E. Spahn, Law Practice Management Division. will be coming soon to the VBA website “The 2005 Bankruptcy Reform Bill: Later this year, accessing certain areas of The Virginia Bar 20 Years in the Making,” Bankruptcy Association’s website at www.vba.org will require a bit more effort than Law Section. a simple mouse-click. In other words, VBA members will need a “An Overview of the 2005 Revision password to view protected areas of the website. This feature will of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act protect members’ privacy and allow the VBA to provide more value- and Post Sarbanes-Oxley Danger added features for members only. To simplify matters, each VBA Zones for the Directors and General Counsel,” Business Law Section. member will have a unique user name which consists of that member’s “Seventh Annual Review of Civil ID number. The password will be the member’s ID number plus the Decisions of the Virginia Supreme first three letters of the member’s last name, as indicated by the Court,” a presentation by Hon. Jane following (facetious) example: Marum Roush, Civil Litigation and Member: Virginia B. Lawyer Judicial Sections. User Name: 12345 (VBA member ID) “Reducing Malpractice by Password: 12345law Identifying and Helping the Impaired (member ID plus first three letters of last name) Lawyer,” Lawyers Helping Lawyers Afraid you can’t remember your member ID? Watch the printed Program. address label on the back cover of the VBA News Journal — member Details will be available in the IDs are now being included with the address information. meeting brochure and at www.vba.org. APRIL/MAY 2005 THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL/21 The Foundation NEWS IN BRIEF invites you to save the date of September 24, 2005, for a gala banquet Elaine Charlson Bredehoft of Reston has been inducted as a fellow of the in honor of the 250th anniversary International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL). A partner in the law firm of of the birth of John Marshall, “The Great Chief Justice.” Charlson, Bredehoft & Cohen and a More details to be available in future issues and at www.vba.org. member of the VBA Labor Relations and Employment Law Section Council, she is one of 14 inductees invited to join the group of more than 500 national and 100 CLASSIFIEDS PROFESSIONAL international lawyers. She has been included in The Best Lawyers In America every year since 1997, was named by REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENTS Washingtonian magazine among the "50 Best Lawyers in Washington" in 1997, Village comfort with urban Mary G. Commander and Elisa D. among the "40 Top Lawyers Under 40" in convenience in Chester! 3850sf Carlson are pleased to announce the 1998, among the “75 Best Lawyers” in landscaped brick/frame home, cul- formation of Commander & Carlson 2002, and listed as one of the top de-sac, new roof, Pella windows, 1st- in Norfolk, Virginia. The law firm employment lawyers in 2004. Bredehoft floor master suite, walk-in attic, den emphasizes family law, adoption, was also featured as one of 12 top w/FP and built-ins, formal dining/ employment lawyers in the Washington living rooms, must see! Easy access workers’ compensation and mediation. Ms. Commander and Ms. area in Legal Times in 2004. In 2003, she to Rts. 288 & 10, I-95, Richmond/ received the honor of being inducted into Midlothian/Tri-Cities. Call E. M. Carlson are also the co-authors of “Adoption Procedures and Forms: A the American College of Trial Lawyers, Jacobs, M.D., 748-8411, 731-5439. an honor limited to the top one percent of Guide for Virginia Lawyers,” attorneys in each state. published by Virginia CLE. Malcolm M. Christian of Richmond, a VBA Life Member and counsel to the law The VBA News Journal offers classified advertising. Categories available are as follows: firm of Spotts Fain, PC, has received the positions available, positions wanted, books and software, office equipment/furnishings, Hunter W. Martin Professionalism Award office space, experts, consulting services, business services, vacation rentals, and from the Bar Association of the City of educational opportunities. Rates are $1 per word for VBA members and $1.50 per word for non-members, with a $35 minimum, payable at the time of submission. Ad costs Richmond. In nominating him for the must be paid in advance. The VBA News Journal reserves the right to review all copy award, a bar member noted “Throughout before publication and to reject material deemed unsuitable. his 52 years of membership in the Professional announcements may be printed; the cost per announcement is $15 and Richmond Bar Association and active text may be edited for style and space limitations. Deadlines are one month in advance practice of law in the Richmond area, and of the date of publication. Information is available online at www.vba.org, or call for throughout his community involvement details at (804) 644-0041. including service as President of the Henrico County School Board, [he] has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and courtesy to his clients and fellow members of the bar.” Joseph W. Gorrell of Fredericksburg, [email protected] former chair of the VBA Substance Abuse Committee, has been named as the The VBA Law Practice Management Division has established an recipient of this year’s Lewis F. Powell Jr. [email protected] with the American Bar Association to sell ABA books to all Award, for outstanding pro bono publico members of the VBA/LPMD — that is, all members of The Virginia Bar legal service, by the Virginia State Bar. Gorrell volunteers more hours of service Association — at a 20% discount. to Rappahannock Legal Services than any You can go to www.vba.org, click on a link to the Book Program, other attorney, earning the nickname “Joe peruse a list of books, and print out an order form to send to the VBA Monday.” In addition to his legal aid office with your payment. service for the past nine years, he has NOTE: ALL books published by the ABA — not just the ones listed been a longtime supporter of the Lawyers on the VBA website — are available with the 20% discount. You must, Helping Lawyers Program and a however, place your order through the VBA office to receive the participant in the VBA Community Service discount. Program. He is a retired federal Resources you can trust. Information you can use. At prices you can handle. administrator with 42 years of civil On the Internet at www.vba.org. On the phone at (804) 644-0041. service, primarily in the U.S. Department of the Interior. 22/THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION NEWS JOURNAL APRIL/MAY 2005 Being a VBA member has its rewards! • Members of them on the Internet at www.framingsuccess.com, e-mail The Virginia Bar [email protected], or call toll-free at 1-800-677- Association can 3726. purchase reliable • EXCLUSIVE benefits for members of The Virginia Bar and affordable Association! LexisNexis offers flexible research and big savings insurance and on the LexisNexis at lexis.com® service for attorneys in small financial services law firms, new that not only admittees and solo provide benefits for themselves, their families and employees, practitioners! Search but also offer a source of non-dues revenue to the Association. Advisor, Shepard's®, Virginia Barristers Alliance, Inc., which offers products and case summaries, services of MassMutual Financial Group, is administered by Dean Hardy and Howard DiSavino Jr. of Richmond. core concepts and The program offers VBA members a great variety of personal exclusive content and business insurance and financial services. Through make your research easier. From the new attorney just starting MassMutual, Dean and Howard offer life, disability income and a practice to the seasoned litigator who delves into a new area long-term care insurance plans in addition to employee benefit of law, LexisNexis provides unique offerings that are affordably programs and business-oriented services. Health insurance*, priced and easy to customize as business needs change over college tuition funding plans, retirement planning, estate time. Call 1-800-356-6548 to take advantage of your exclusive analysis and other investment** services are among the other Member Benefit. available features. Professional liability insurance has recently • The VBA been added to the list of offerings. The MassMutual long-term Worldpoints care product is available at a 10 to 15 percent discount, MasterCard is an depending on age, to VBA members. The disability income exclusive offer for insurance policies are also available to VBA members at members discounts starting at 10 percent. through MBNA America, now available with no annual fee. The Visit www.virginiabarristersalliance.com on the Internet to face of each card displays the VBA logo, which instantly identifies learn more about the wide range of insurance coverage options you as an attorney and a VBA member. Apply by phone, 1-800- for VBA members and other Virginia legal professionals, or call 847-7378, code KAQ0. 1-800-358-7987 or (804) 270-5128. • The VBA Law Practice Management Division has an • Your VBA membership guarantees you special discounts agreement with the American Bar Association to sell ABA books with DHL Express. With DHL Express you can expect guaranteed to all members of The domestic services Virginia Bar Association —- next morning, — at a 20% discount. next afternoon, You can visit the VBA second day, and website, click on a link ground. You can to the Book Program (www.vba.org/books.htm), peruse a list also count on of books with pricing information, and print out an order form to outstanding international services to more than 220 countries send to the VBA office with your payment. (ALL books published and territories around the world. Take advantage of your VBA by the ABA — not just the ones listed on the VBA website — are membership and sign up today for savings on all of your express available with the 20% discount. You must, however, place shipping needs with DHL Express. Call 1-888-758-8955 or log your order through the VBA in order to get the discount.) Other on to www.airexpressadvantage.com to sign up and receive a arrangements are offered to VBA members without Internet free welcome kit. (Mention the special code CJC3 for VBA access. members.) • Receive substantial • Display your VBA membership discounts on Virginia’s certificate in an elegant frame Historic Courthouses, by featuring Italian hardwood John O. and Margaret T. Peters, when purchasing the book moulding, True Conservation through the VBA. A handsome addition to any home or law firm matboard with the Scales of Justice library, the book is also a great gift! Call 1-800-644-0987 for embossed in gold, a fibrex rate information and to place your order. backboard and brass-plated • Every VBA Section member in good standing fittings with a wire hanger! Framing receives a summary of legislation pertaining to Success is the exclusive supplier that Section at the close of the General Assembly of certificate frames to the VBA and Session in the spring of each year. This valuable offers frames that will fit your service is lauded annually by Virginia attorneys! certificate perfectly — there is no need to send in your treasured document for framing. Orders *Not offered through MassMutual. are shipped within 2 to 4 weeks of your order. Framing ** Securities offered through MML Investors Services, Inc., 4510 Cox Road, Suite 200, Glen Allen, VA 23060, (804) 346-1011. Massachusetts Success is a member of the Professional Picture Framers Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and other companies. Association and the invitation-only Fine Arts Trade Guild. Visit Springfield, MA 01111-0001. October 7-9, 2005 CALENDAR OF EVENTS VBA Board of Governors Meeting Hotel Roanoke June 16-19, 2005 October 21-22, 2005 67th Virginia State Bar Annual Meeting Boyd-Graves Conference Virginia Beach Hotel Roanoke June 30–July 2, 2005 October 27-30, 2005 Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference Southern Conference of Bar Presidents Hot Springs The Greenbrier July 14-17, 2005 October 28, 2005 115th VBA Summer Meeting VBA Virginia Tax Practitioners Roundtable The Greenbrier Farmington, Charlottesville September 9-10, 2005 January 19-22, 2006 VBA Labor Relations & Employment Law Conference 116th VBA Annual Meeting Hilton Oceanfront, Virginia Beach Kingsmill, Williamsburg September 30-October 2, 2005 July 20-23, 2006 VBA/YLD Executive Committee and Council Meeting 116th VBA Summer Meeting Wintergreen The Homestead For more details, please visit our website at www.vba.org or call the VBA office at (804) 644-0041. A complete calendar of events with links to additional information is posted on the website. The VBA Summer Meeting is the place to be! July 14-17, 2005 • The Greenbrier Call 1-800-624-6070 to reserve your room today! Watch for schedule and registration information in the mail (postal and electronic) and online at www.vba.org.

VBA• • The Virginia Bar Association 701 East Franklin Street, Suite 1120 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 644-0041