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• Pro Bono Assistance and Representation for Uncontested Divorces

  • When
    Monday, October 20, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  Attorneys attending this training course will gain an in-depth understanding of the legal, procedural, and practical aspects of handling uncontested divorces in Virginia. Attorneys will learn the distinctions between contested and uncontested divorces, with a thorough review of relevant Virginia Code sections—particularly those governing grounds for divorce (§20-91), separation requirements, equitable distribution (§20-107.3), and service of process. The program covers complex jurisdictional issues, service options (including for incarcerated defendants), and key case law affecting uncontested divorce proceedings. Participants will also explore child custody, spousal and child support, property division, retirement benefits, and name changes in divorce. The course includes practical guidance on completing and filing necessary documents, recent updates to Virginia divorce law, and how to effectively use the Virginia Poverty Law Center’s Self-Help Tool during client interviews. By the end of the session, attorneys will be better equipped to efficiently and ethically handle uncontested divorces while navigating common pitfalls and ensuring compliance with Virginia’s legal requirements.
  
  Alexandra Lydon

  Anti-Human Trafficking Senior Staff Attorney

  Legal Services of Northern Virginia

  
  

  Alexandra (Alex) Lydon is the Anti-Human Trafficking Senior Staff Attorney at Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) who represents survivors of human trafficking in their civil legal cases. In her work with LSNV, she trains organizations and entities throughout Northern Virginia on human trafficking issues and is a member and leader in local human trafficking and LGBTQ task forces. In her spare time, Alex is a member of the Alexandria’s LGBTQ+ Task Force’s leadership team, a board member of and the Clinics Coordinator for the Virginia LGBTQ+ Bar Association, and the Immediate Past-President of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Virginia. Alex received a law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law and Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama

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• CLE: Workers’ Compensation 101: The Basics of Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law (Virginia Approved for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Monday, October 20, 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  Attorneys who attend Workers’ Compensation 101: The Basics of Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law will gain a practical introduction to how workplace injury claims are handled before the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, from initial filing through adjudication. This program provides an essential overview of the governing statutes, key procedures, and common issues that arise in claims, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to effectively navigate deadlines, evidentiary requirements, and potential defenses. Whether you are new to practice or seeking to broaden your expertise, this CLE will strengthen your ability to advise clients, anticipate challenges, and confidently manage the unique procedural aspects of Virginia workers’ compensation cases.

  Bryan G. Bosta

  Partner/Owner

  Becker, Kellogg & Berry, PC

  
  Bryan G. Bosta is a partner/owner of Becker, Kellogg & Berry, PC in Springfield, Virginia.  He principally handles workers’ compensation matters on behalf of claimants.  Mr. Bosta earned his BA from Hanover College in 2002 and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2005.  Mr. Bosta was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 2005 and is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Virginia. He is also licensed in the District of Columbia.

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• CLE: Cross Examination: The Trial Attorney’s Superpower (Virginia Approved for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Monday, October 20, 2025
  •  
    1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  Attorneys who attend Cross Examination: The Trial Attorney’s Superpower will gain practical tools to transform one of the most challenging aspects of trial into their most effective advocacy skill. This program explores the constitutional foundations of cross-examination, its role in testing credibility and exposing bias, and the techniques that make questioning purposeful and persuasive. Participants will learn how to prepare strategically, set clear goals for each witness, and use cross to elicit favorable facts, secure admissions, or discredit testimony in ways that advance their case theory. Drawing from key Supreme Court precedent and trial-tested methods, this CLE will sharpen your ability to plan, execute, and control cross-examination so that it becomes a powerful weapon in your courtroom arsenal.
  
  Megan Thomas
  Public Defender
  Alexandria Public Defender's Office
   

  Megan Thomas is the Chief Public Defender for the City of Alexandria. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida in 1999 and magna cum laude from Catholic University, Columbus School of Law, in 2002. She joined the PD’s office in 2003 after clerking for a judge for a year in the District of Columbia and became the head of the office in 2022. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and handles a mixed felony docket in addition to the logistics of handling both the city and state budgets, supervising attorneys and managing the day to day operation of the office. As a PD, she has handled hundreds of cases ranging from DWI to 1st degree murder. Megan left the PD’s office in 2009 to spend time with her family. In 2012, she returned to criminal defense with the law firm King, Campbell & Poretz, at which time she handled criminal defense cases in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William County, including several high-profile cases. In 2016, she returned to the PD’s office and became Deputy in 2019. She became the head of the office in 2022. She loves everything about being a PD and is always excited to talk about the world’s best job!

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• CLE: Legislative Updates & Practical Guidance on DUI Restricted License Requirements (Virginia Approved for 1.5 Credits)

  • When
    Monday, October 20, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  This 90-minute CLE session provides attorneys with a comprehensive overview of the evolving restricted license process in Virginia, emphasizing recent legislative changes affecting DUI cases. Attendees will gain critical insights into the new law allowing individuals to pre-enroll for interlock device installation prior to court appearances and the landmark update where a first-time DUI conviction now defaults to a restricted license with an interlock as the sole restriction for 12 months. This program equips legal professionals with the knowledge to effectively counsel clients and navigate the procedural complexities surrounding restricted licenses and interlock requirements.

  Hon. Donald M. Haddock, Jr.
  Chief Judge
  Alexandria General District Court
  
  Hon. Donald M. Haddock, Jr., Chief Judge, has been sitting in the Alexandria General District Court since 2008. Prior to becoming a judge, he was in private practice, the last five years of which he had a solo practice in Alexandria based primarily in litigation. He attended the University of Virginia as an undergraduate and for law school.
  

  
  Hon. Sonya L. Sacks
  Judge
  Alexandria General District Court
  
  

  Hon. Sonya L. Sacks has been sitting in the Alexandria General District Court since 2020. Prior to becoming a judge, she was a senior trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, litigating voting discrimination and then employment discrimination cases. Prior to that, she worked as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney at the Alexandria Commonwealth's Attorney's Office for approximately 17 years.  For seven of those years, she served on a detail as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division, Narcotics Unit, at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the EDVA.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Seattle University and her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

  Angela D. Coleman
  Executive Director
  Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
  
  

  Angela D. Coleman is the Executive Director of the Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), where she oversees the state VASAP office, local ASAP programs, the state-wide ignition interlock program and the Intelligent Speed Assistant Program.  With 35 years of experience in state government, Angela is a respected leader in traffic safety and program administration.

  Under Angela's guidance, VASAP has experienced rapid growth in technology integration, customer service, and program quality. She created the Ignition Interlock Multi-State Forum, which earned VASAP the Virginia Governor's Transportation Safety Award in 2016. Angela's expertise extends to speaking engagements at national conferences, and she actively contributes to highway safety work groups.  She served as chair of the Ignition Interlock Working Group for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators in 2018 and 2023.  Angela is a founding member of the Association of Ignition Interlock Administrators.  

  She holds a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and certificates from the Virginia Executive Institute and several leadership and human resource programs.

  In addition to her professional achievements, Angela is actively involved in volunteer organizations focused on scholarship, mentoring, and advocacy.

  Christopher Morris
  
  

  Christopher Morris is a dedicated public servant with a diverse background in law enforcement, insurance, and program administration. He began his career in public safety, serving as a law enforcement officer with the Waynesboro and Charlottesville Police Departments, where he gained firsthand experience in community engagement and criminal justice operations.

  Following his time in law enforcement, Christopher spent a decade in the insurance industry, holding roles in homeowner claims, auto underwriting, and commercial auto underwriting. His ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and assess risk helped him develop a strong foundation in both private and public sector operations.

  Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from East Tennessee State University and earned his Master of Business Administration from Averett University. He currently serves as the Special Programs Coordinator for the Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP). In this role, he provides oversight for the Commonwealth’s ignition interlock and remote alcohol monitoring programs, monitors legislative developments, and supports the implementation of key public safety initiatives.

  Rosario Carrasquillo
  Special Programs Design Specialist
  Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
  
  

  Rosario Carrasquillo has served as Special Programs Design Specialist for the Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), where she has become an integral part of operations since 2013. In this comprehensive role, she develops and implements the VASAP leadership program, manages the agency's case management system as project manager, creates training materials, and provides administrative support to the Executive Director. She also oversees the online payment application project, monitors legislation, assists with ISAP regulations, manages ISA program implementation, and strengthens relationships with judicial partners and other stakeholders.

  Rosario graduated cum laude from ECPI University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, earning valedictorian honors for her exceptional academic performance. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree at Virginia Tech in Information Technology with a concentration in Business Data Analytics and AI, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and continuous growth.

  Her diverse skill set includes project management, data analysis, policy interpretation, regulation creation, legislation monitoring, and bilingual Spanish-English capabilities. These competencies bring extensive expertise in program management and administrative leadership to her position.

  Based in Richmond, Virginia, Rosario balances her professional responsibilities with quality family time. Her decade-plus tenure at VASAP reflects deep institutional knowledge and her ability to adapt as the program has evolved, making her a valuable asset to the organization's mission and continued success.

  Shelby Edwards
  Office Services Assistant 
  Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
  
  Shelby Edwards is the Office Services Assistant for the Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP). With over a decade of dedicated service to VASAP, Shelby began her career with a local ASAP program as a case management assistant before advancing to the role of DMV Liaison. Since 2021, she has held a key position at the Commission on VASAP, where she plays a vital role in daily operations and oversees updates and enhancements to the organization’s electronic case management system. Shelby holds a degree in business administration and brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to her work. Outside of her career, she enjoys reading, gardening, and baking.

  
  

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• Pro Bono Assistance and Representation of Tenants

  • When
    Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  We will provide in-depth training regarding eviction defense, including the eviction process, information on necessary documents to review, and defenses to common types of evictions. We will also touch on other landlord-tenant issues that may come up and how to address them.
  
  Elizabeth M. Crego

  Housing and Consumer Attorney

  Legal Services of Northern Virginia

  
  

  Elizabeth Crego is the Elder Law Practice Group Chair for Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV). In addition to managing and supporting matter for senior clients throughout LSNV’s offices, she enjoys helping individuals in her home base of Alexandria to find solutions to unexpected legal problems. She advises on and prepares testamentary and agency documents, such as Wills and Powers of Attorney. She also provides counsel and represents in evictions, affirmative tenant conditions cases, consumer lawsuits, protective orders, and guardianships. Finally, she provides community outreach and education regarding legal rights and responsibilities.

  Prior to joining LSNV, Ms. Crego had a solo law practice where she advised and represented clients on landlord/tenant, consumer law, and HOA/ condominium law. She also volunteered as a pro bono attorney with the Legal Aid Justice Center and LSNV, assisting with bankruptcy, housing, and family law matters. Her experience also includes working with a Mexican law firm in the editing and interpretation of English language legal documents and, before her brief time in Mexico, representing clients in debt collection, general litigation, and in filing bankruptcy claims.

  Ms. Crego is a native of Northern Virginia and spends her spare time exercising, starting books she can’t finish, eating chocolate, and chauffeuring her three children to various extracurricular activities.

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• CLE: Creation and Termination of Easements (Pending Virginia Approval for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  Easements—the rights to use the land of another—are abundant in our world, but few people have more than a vague idea what they mean and how they work, let alone how to create them and terminate them when their usefulness has passed.  This CLE presentation will discuss the steps and considerations in creating an express easement (such as parties, estates, and uses), and will also touch on the different varieties of non-express easements recognized by Virginia law.  It will then shift to the termination or release of existing easements, both by express release and also by non-express terminations.  The presentation will touch on some of the peculiarities of Virginia law as it pertains to easements, and also some of the pitfalls that await unwary practitioners.
  
  

  Minturn Wright 

  Partner

  Shannon & Wright LLP

  
  

  Minturn Wright is a founding partner at Shannon & Wright LLP where he primarily focuses his practice in Real Estate transactions and Litigation matters.

  Minturn’s three decades of experience as a lawyer have been almost equally divided between real estate transfers and other transactions on the one hand, and litigation (principally real estate, tax appeals and tax sales, civil rights, and insurance defense) on the other. He also has had experience dealing with environmental issues, business entities (corporations, limited liability companies, and the like), and trademark issues, particularly licensing.

  Minturn has worked at firms ranging from large international firms to small boutiques. Most recently, he was at Rich Rosenthal Brincefield Manitta Dzubin & Kroeger, LLP, where he concentrated in real estate and business issues, and affiliated with a property tax consultancy, working against over-taxation. In addition, he has done pro bono work for a wide range of non-profit and governmental organizations, and sits on the governing boards of a number of charitable foundations.

  Minturn earned a B.S. in biology and lettered in crew at Yale. He earned an M.S. in biology from the University of Southern California on the way to law school at U.S.C. His law dissertation concerned the ownership of Antarctica and its natural resources. After finishing law school, Minturn completed his graduate work, earning a Ph.D. in biology, also from U.S.C. His work centered around natural antibiotics from marine invertebrates and on the larvae of calcareous tubeworms. His scientific background enables him to understand many issues quickly and allows for creative approaches and thinking in his legal work.

  In addition to being a lawyer, Minturn makes guest presentations at local schools, has taught college-level material, has written articles for scientific journals, and has participated in a number of academic and professional conferences and research expeditions. He is a big believer in participatory democracy, and probably will not be in the office on Election Day.

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• CLE: Why Lawyer Well-Being Matters: Insights Informed by Bloomberg Law Data (Pending Virginia Approval for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  •  
    1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  Supporting attorney well-being through real-world experiences and thoughtful insights is key to tackling the mental health challenges faced by legal professionals. This session, created alongside Patrick Krill of Krill Strategies, a trusted expert in attorney well-being and addiction, features Alexandria’s Chief Judge Uston, who brings her perspective from the bench and as a member of the Committee on Lawyer Well-Being of the Supreme Court of Virginia, speaking about wellness, its role in ethical practice, and efforts to raise awareness in Virginia. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of generational and gender differences in well-being, recognizing the ethical impact of poor well-being on lawyers and their workplaces. By blending meaningful insights with practical steps being embraced in the legal community, this session empowers legal professionals with the tools to address well-being challenges and nurture a healthier, more ethical practice, informed by the 2024 Bloomberg Law Attorney Well-Being Report.

  Hon. Kathleen M. Uston 
  Chief Judge
  Alexandria Circuit Court

  

  Hon. Kathleen M. Uston began her service on the Circuit Court for the 18th Circuit in the City of Alexandria in April 2021. She received her juris doctorate from George Mason University School of Law in 1991 and, after passing the bar, went into private practice focusing in the areas of attorney ethical defense work, GAL representation, and civil litigation. Judge Uston served as Commissioner in Chancery for the Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria, as Assistant Bar Counsel with the Virginia State Bar for thirteen years and as adjunct professor of law at American University Washington College of Law teaching Ethics for Trial Lawyers. She is past President of the VSB Young Lawyers Conference, served as vice-chair of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Solo and Small Firm Committee, and is former President of the Alexandria Bar Association. Judge Uston also served as President of the National Organization of Bar Counsel and as NOBC's Delegate to the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Judge Uston was a member of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, the Presidential Committee on Wellness of the Virginia State Bar, and a member of the Virginia Committee on Lawyer Wellness formed by Chief Justice Donald Lemons of the Virginia Supreme Court. Judge Uston is currently a member of the Supreme Court Wellness Advisory Committee. Over her career, Judge Uston has lectured extensively on the subject of attorney ethics and had the great honor of co-authoring the updated edition of Lawyers and Other People's Money with Frank Thomas, Esquire.
  

  Jessica R. Blaemire 
  Content Team Lead 
  Bloomberg Law
  
  Jessica R. Blaemire is a Content Team Lead with Bloomberg Law focusing on litigation, attorney well-being, and legal ethics. In this role, Jessica develops Practical Guidance on building well-being programs, creates well-being surveys for legal professionals, helps maintain the ABA Manual on Professional Conduct, and writes analysis pieces on topics ranging from law school drinking data to whether mandatory bar associations can promote wellness programs. Jessica co-authored the Bloomberg Law 2024 Attorney Well-Being Report, and was featured on the Bloomberg Industry Group podcast, “On the Merits” to discuss neurodiversity in the legal profession. In addition, Jessica’s essay sobriety and legal practice is featured in the ABA book, . Jessica is licensed to practice in Washington D.C. (1032912) and Virginia (96356) and earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

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• CLE: Contested Issues in Estate Administration: Hearings Before and Against the Commissioner’s Office (Pending Virginia Approval for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  This CLE explores the procedural and substantive issues that arise when estate administration becomes contested, particularly in matters involving hearings before — and occasionally against — the Commissioner of Accounts. Attendees will gain insight into the unique role the Commissioner plays in overseeing fiduciary conduct, reviewing accountings, and resolving disputes among beneficiaries, creditors, and fiduciaries. The session will focus on common points of conflict such as contested debts and demands hearings,  improper distributions, challenges to fiduciary fees, disputes over asset valuation, and allegations of breach of fiduciary duty. It will also address the procedural mechanics of initiating and responding to a show cause hearing, objecting to a Commissioner’s report, and preserving issues for circuit court review. The session will also provide an overview of recent appellate court opinions and pending appellate court cases which involve the Commissioner of Accounts. Whether you represent fiduciaries, beneficiaries, or creditors, this course will provide practical guidance on how to navigate contested estate matters effectively, maintain compliance with fiduciary obligations, and prepare for hearings that could significantly impact the administration process. By the end of the session, attendees will be better equipped to advocate for their clients in matters before the Commissioner of Accounts’ Office and understand when and how to challenge or defend a Commissioner’s findings in court.
  
  

  Seth B. Royster

  Associate

  Shannon & Wright LLP

  
  

  Seth Royster is an associate at Shannon & Wright LLP, where he represents clients in estate planning/administration, business law, real estate, and civil/commercial litigation.

  Seth serves as a trusted advisor to his clients on guardianship and conservatorship matters and guides fiduciaries through common issues that can arise when serving in those roles. Seth’s litigation experience includes representing clients in both General District and Circuit Courts throughout Virginia in real estate disputes, elder law matters, and commercial matters. With over five years of experience practicing law, Seth is licensed in both Virginia and North Carolina.

  Prior to attending law school, Seth spent several years working for Virginia based law firms, which included working as an auditor for the City of Portsmouth Commissioner of Accounts.  In 2017, Seth graduated from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, obtaining his Juris Doctorate degree.

  Seth is a believer in community involvement and has served on multiple nonprofit boards. When not at work, Seth is with his wife exploring the local food scene and attending live sporting events.

  Xue Connelly
  Associate
  Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner, PLLC
  
  

  Xue Connelly is an associate at Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner PLLC, specializing in bankruptcy, wills, trusts and estates. Ms. Connelly helps individuals and small businesses throughout Northern Virginia protect their assets. She has extensive experience handling all forms of bankruptcy, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for individuals, and Chapter 7 for businesses. She also concentrates on estate planning and administration, advising clients on the latest and most efficient asset-protection strategies.

  Ms. Connelly began her career at Wade, Grimes, Friedman, Meinken & Leischner, PLLC in 2012 as a paralegal. In addition to her work at the firm, she was the senior research editor for the National Security Law Journal from 2016 to 2018 and an executive board member. Ms. Connelly received her J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. She also served as a student advisor in the George Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic, where she provided pro bono legal assistance to veterans and their families on issues such as uncontested domestic law cases, veterans disability appeals, discharge upgrades, and other matters.

  Ms. Connelly’s passion for the law was sparked by summer internships at the Department of Justice (DOJ) Overseas Prosecutorial Development and Training at the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. She also interned in DOJ’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering section in Washington D.C.

  Ms. Connelly grew up in both Alexandria, VA, and in Bogota, Colombia, she is a native spanish speaker. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading and beating her husband in Scrabble.

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• CLE: Ethics in Negotiation and Mediation (Virginia Approval for 2 Ethics Credits)

  • When
    Wednesday, October 22, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  Join us as the Hon. James C. Clark (Ret.) and the Hon. Lisa Bondareff Kemler (Ret.) from The McCammon Group discuss ethical responsibilities regarding mediation, including competence, communication, scope of representation, and diligence. Topics include how you can best talk with your client about mediation and how to prepare yourself and your client for a productive and successful mediation session. The Judges will walk you through a mediation session, highlighting your ethical responsibilities regarding opening presentations, negotiations, and settlements. 

  Attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch, courtesy of The McCammon Group, Ltd. 
  

  The Hon. James C. Clark (Ret.) 

  Judge

  Alexandria Circuit Court 
  

  The Honorable James C. Clark (Ret.) served on the 18^th Judicial Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria for over a decade. Before his tenure on the bench, Judge Clark enjoyed a successful career as a lawyer in private practice and served as the Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria. Among his many credentials, he served on the Alexandria Bar Foundation, the Substance Abuse Advisory Committee to the Alexandria City Council, and as a Mentor Judge for the Supreme Court of Virginia. Judge Clark is an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University and a former faculty member of the Virginia State Bar’s Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course for new lawyers. Judge Clark now serves as a Neutral with The McCammon Group.
  
  

  Hon. Lisa Bondareff Kemler (Ret.)
  

  Chief Judge 
  Alexandria Circuit Court 
  

  The Honorable Lisa Bondareff Kemler recently retired after twenty years of distinguished service on the 18th Judicial Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria, where she presided as Chief Judge since 2012.   Prior to her tenure on the bench, Judge Kemler built a successful private litigation practice focusing on criminal and civil matters in both federal and state courts. She is the 2023 Recipient of the Harry L. Carrico Outstanding Career Service Award, a former member of the Boyd-Graves Conference, and a Past President of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.  Judge Kemler now serves as a Neutral with The McCammon Group.

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• CLE: Increasing Value in Personal Injury Cases (Virginia Approved for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Wednesday, October 22, 2025
  •  
    2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  This CLE will focus on practical tips on how to increase your case value at both the General District Court and Circuit Court level by providing insights on effectively conveying your theme to the Judge or Jury while keeping costs low. It will focus on how to work your case up at the beginning stages to provide the best possible demand to insurance carriers while putting you in the best possible position to move forward to trial.
  
  Justin Curcio
  Partner
  Curcio Law
  

  Before doing plaintiff’s personal injury work, Justin Curcio was in-house counsel for Allstate, Esurance, and Encompass, exclusively doing defense work in personal injury cases, with over a hundred trials. In 2020, he switched to plaintiff’s work, where he now represents those that are catastrophically injured, with a focus on car crash, dog attack, slip & fall, and wrongful death cases. He is an active member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, and Injury Board who strive to make a difference to those who are injured. When he is not practicing law, Justin is usually spending time with his wife and two daughters in Old Town or Washington D.C. His hobbies and interests include health & fitness, nutrition, running, swimming, weightlifting, fishing, and hiking.

  William Wirt Brock, IV
  Partner
  Carmichael Ellis & Brock
  
  

  Wirt is a Partner with Carmichael, Ellis & Brock, PLLC, who focuses his practice on representing injured clients in all types of cases where they have suffered catastrophic loss.   Over his 20-year career, Wirt has represented clients injured in private and commercial motor vehicle accidents, by medical malpractice, by defective products, and in premises liability cases.  Wirt helps his clients tell their story so the jury, or other trier of fact, will understand the extent to which the plaintiff has been injured by the defendant's negligent actions.  Wirt is President of the Alexandria Bar Association and a member of Virginia Trial Lawyer Association.   

  Session Sponsor: MediVisuals + High Impact

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• CLE: The Pitfalls of Criminal Discovery and Statutory Obligations (Pending Virginia Approval for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Wednesday, October 22, 2025
  •  
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  In federal and state criminal practice, discovery missteps can have serious consequences — including sanctions, ethical violations, or even disbarment. In this timely and practical CLE, Judge Clark and federal prosecutor Gene Rossi will guide attorneys through the complex and often misunderstood obligations surrounding criminal discovery. Focusing on four key areas — Brady, Giglio, the Jencks Act, and Rule 16 — the session will clarify the differences between disclosure and production, define what constitutes the “prosecution team,” and explain how and when critical information must be shared. Attendees will also explore the consequences of delayed or incomplete disclosures, the use of protective orders, and common pitfalls in handling witness statements, rough notes, expert reports, and exculpatory evidence. The program will touch on the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) and the State Secrets Privilege, offering insight into how national security concerns intersect with a defendant’s right to a fair trial. Whether you represent the government or the defense, this CLE provides essential tools for complying with discovery obligations, protecting your client, and maintaining professional integrity. With courtroom-tested guidance and real-world examples, this session is a must for any attorney navigating the high-stakes environment of federal criminal litigation.

  The Hon. James C. Clark (Ret.) 

  Judge

  Alexandria Circuit Court 
  

  

  The Honorable James C. Clark (Ret.) served on the 18^th Judicial Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria for over a decade. Before his tenure on the bench, Judge Clark enjoyed a successful career as a lawyer in private practice and served as the Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria. Among his many credentials, he served on the Alexandria Bar Foundation, the Substance Abuse Advisory Committee to the Alexandria City Council, and as a Mentor Judge for the Supreme Court of Virginia. Judge Clark is an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University and a former faculty member of the Virginia State Bar’s Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course for new lawyers. Judge Clark now serves as a Neutral with The McCammon Group.
  
  Gene Rossi
  Shareholder
  Carlton Fields

  
  

  “Levity is Life” is Gene Rossi’s motto from death-defying medical challenges. He is a shareholder at Carlton Fields—and an adjunct instructor of constitutional law (George Mason University) & trial advocacy (Harvard Law School). He was a 2017 Democratic primary candidate for Lt Governor of Virginia. He & wife Diane (Greenwood, Mississippi) have lived in Alexandria, Virginia, since 1989. Their 3 children (Leigh, Will & Jack) are all “Titans” who attended Alexandria public schools. Born in 1956 in Middletown, Connecticut, he lived on a dairy farm & worked in a lumber yard—a business begun in 1926 by his late father (“Ted” Rossi) with a team of horses & portable sawmill. At age 10, Gene’s father passed away; he & 3 older brothers were then raised by his single mother Alma.

  In 1983-89, he was a Washington representative for Connecticut Governor Bill O'Neill. In 1989-2016, Gene was a prolific prosecutor with the U.S. Justice Department, for which he was trial counsel in an unprecedented 110 trials (90 jury) in U.S. Courts. In 2001-16, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA)--famous “Rocket Docket." In EDVA's Alexandria Division, he was Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Unit and Chief of the Specials Unit, where he trained over 500 prosecutors.
  
  He tried an EDVA record 65 felony jury trials. His Dr. William Hurwitz trials--part of nationally renowned Operation “Cotton Candy”--were the subject of a 2016 Hollywood documentary (“Dr. Feelgood”) about the opioid epidemic. To honor his historic trial work, EDVA’s Alexandria Office set aside a special conference area—the “Gene Rossi War Room.” The FBI Washington Field Office honored him in 2016 with a Career Achievement Award--first time given to a prosecutor. He’s appeared often on TV (e.g., CNN, MSNBC, FoxNews, CBS News, ABC News, NewsNation & Court TV). He is a legal analyst for the Law & Crime Network. He had a radio program—“The Gene Rossi Show.” In 2024, he was elected to the Cosmos Club of D.C.
  
  Born in Middletown, Connecticut. His home town of East Hampton, CT, inducted Gene into its Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a 3-sport (basketball, baseball & soccer) high school athlete. As an All-Stater in basketball, he scored 1,300 points, including 41 points in 1 game, and later played two seasons in college. He went to law school after he failed to fulfill a baseball dream (as a catcher) at a 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates tryout camp & after earlier reading Stephen Oates’ best-selling biography of former uber trial lawyer Abe Lincoln: “With Malice Toward None.”

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• CLE: How to Obtain Court Approval for Your Wrongful Death and Infant Settlements (Virginia Approved for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Thursday, October 23, 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  We will explain the process of obtaining court approval for your wrongful death and infant settlements. For wrongful death cases, we will go from beginning to end, including how to appoint an administrator for the deceased to pursue the claim, how to determine the beneficiaries, and how to disburse to the beneficiaries. For infant settlements, we will discuss the process of appointing a guardian ad litem and how to disburse the funds to the infant. This presentation will include explanations of the rationale behind each step of the process. Our sponsor, JMW Settlements will also present on different disbursement options, including 529 Savings Plans, structured settlements, and trusts.

  Rakin R. Hamad, Esquire
  Partner
  Curcio Law
  
  

  Rakin Hamad is a trial lawyer and Partner at Curcio Law. He has represented clients in cases involving motor vehicle collisions, trucking accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, pedestrian and cyclist injuries, rideshare vehicles, slip and fall injuries, burn injuries, dog bites, and unsafe products. Rakin has obtained millions of dollars for his clients and works diligently to help his clients rebuild their lives with commitment, compassion, and character. Rakin has been recognized professionally by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers. He has also been recognized in Alexandria as one of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s 40 under 40 Honorees.

  Kim Schleede
  Director, Settlement Support
  JMW Settlements
  
  Kim Schleede has been with JMW Settlements for 38 years, leading case management of the firm’s national practice. Kim specializes in creating settlement plans that reflect not only the nature of an injury and the specific required care, but also the broader circumstances in which care must be delivered and resources managed.

  Henry Strong
  Settlement Consultant
  JMW Settlements
  
  

  Henry Strong is President of JMW Settlements LLC in Washington DC and has worked in the structured settlement industry for over 40 years. He is a Past President of the industry’s trade association and is a regular speaker on the use of structured settlements in settlement planning.

  Session Sponsor: JMW Settlements LLC

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• CLE: The Law of Ghosts, Witches, and Graveyards (Pending Virginia Approval for 1 Credit)

  • When
    Thursday, October 23, 2025
  •  
    1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  Just in time for Halloween, this CLE session explores the rare but fascinating intersections between the law and the eerie, unusual, and occult. From haunted houses and witches to graveyards and masks, this program highlights how even the most bizarre scenarios can give rise to real legal questions. We'll discuss Stambovsky v. Ackley, the infamous New York case where a house was deemed legally haunted, and how Virginia’s doctrine of caveat emptor and the Residential Property Disclosure Act would handle such claims. We'll also examine historic and modern witch-related cases in Virginia, legal issues surrounding the exhumation and relocation of human remains, and the surprising legal history of mask-wearing. Through case law, statutory analysis, and ethical considerations, attendees will gain insight into how courts address “creepy” legal questions and how these unusual facts can carry serious consequences. Lawyers will walk away with a better understanding of disclosure duties in real estate, religious and cultural concerns in burial disputes, and professional responsibilities when clients bring claims that seem more supernatural than legal. Join us for a spirited look at the law — a perfect CLE to kick off the Halloween season.

  This CLE is presented in memory of Douglas M. Coleman, Esq.,
  a dedicated member of the Alexandria Bar Association and the originator of this program, which he led for many years—often on Halloween, with his signature insight and wit. Doug passed away earlier this year, and his absence is deeply felt. We honor his legacy today with the program he helped shape and sustain.

  We miss you, Doug.
  
  

  Sarah E. McElveen

  Assistant City Attorney

  City of Alexandria, Office of the City Attorney

  

  Sarah McElveen is an Assistant City Attorney in the Office of the City Attorney of Alexandria.  She represents the Finance Department, including Workers’ Compensation, Risk Management, Procurement, and various taxation issues.  Prior to joining the City Attorney’s office in 2018, Sarah was in private practice, practicing in such areas as landlord-tenant, estate administration, civil litigation, and bankruptcy.  She is a 2004 graduate of the American University Washington College of Law, and completed her undergraduate degree at the College of William and Mary.

  William Wirt Brock, IV
  Partner
  Carmichael Ellis & Brock

  
  

  Wirt is a Partner with Carmichael, Ellis & Brock, PLLC, who focuses his practice on representing injured clients in all types of cases where they have suffered catastrophic loss.   Over his 20-year career, Wirt has represented clients injured in private and commercial motor vehicle accidents, by medical malpractice, by defective products, and in premises liability cases.  Wirt helps his clients tell their story so the jury, or other trier of fact, will understand the extent to which the plaintiff has been injured by the defendant's negligent actions.  Wirt is President of the Alexandria Bar Association and a member of Virginia Trial Lawyer Association.

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• CLE: Meet the Commissioners - 2025 (Virginia Approved for 2 Credits)

  • When
    Thursday, October 23, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Alexandria Courthouse, General District Court, Courtroom 3

  Register

  This is a 2-hour, in-person, presentation at the Alexandria Courthouse by the local Commissioners of Accounts and will address the administration of a decedent’s estate via an in-depth discussion of the following topics:
  
  

  • Collaterals of the Half-Blood;
  • Exoneration;
  • Contesting Claims in a Debts and Demands Hearing;
  • Claims for Mortgage Contribution;
  • Omitted Spouse; and
  • Practice Pointers
    
    
    

  MODERATOR:

  Gary W. Lonergan, Commissioner of Accounts for the City of Alexandria Circuit Court

  
  

  PANELISTS:

  Elizabeth L. Wildhack
  Commissioner of Accounts
  Arlington County Circuit Court
  
  Melinda D. Hetzel,
  Commissioner of Accounts
  Loudoun County Circuit Court

  
  Anne M. Heishman
  Commissioner of Accounts
  Fairfax County Circuit Court
  
  Foster S.B. Friedman
  Assistant Commissioner of Accounts
  City of Alexandria Circuit Court

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• October Membership Meeting

  • When
    Thursday, October 23, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Don Taco Tequila Bar, 808 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

  Register

  
  

  Wrap Up Your CLE Marathon at Don Taco!

  After a full week of learning, keep the momentum going at our October Membership Meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Don Taco, located three short blocks from the Alexandria Courthouse on King Street.

  Known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative spin on Mexican cuisine, Don Taco is the perfect place to unwind, connect with fellow members, and enjoy great food and drinks. We'll be gathering on the second floor, enjoying flavorful bites, conversation, and a casual evening with your legal community.

  Don’t miss this chance to wrap up your day on a high note—register now and join us at Don Taco!

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• Investiture Ceremony of the Honorable Heidi E. Meinzer

  • When
    Thursday, November 13, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    The Franklin P. Backus Courthouse 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

  Register

  
  

  THE ALEXANDRIA BAR ASSOCIATION
  
   CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO 
  THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY OF
  
  

  Hon. Heidi E. Meinzer

  
  CIRCUIT COURT
  FOR THE 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
  OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

  THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025
  AT FOUR O'CLOCK

  CEREMONIAL COURTROOM 2 ON THE FOURTH FLOOR
  THE FRANKLIN P. BACKUS COURTHOUSE
  520 KING STREET
   ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314

   RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

   PLEASE REGISTER 

  BY OCTOBER 27, 2025

  
  

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