Leroy R. Hassell Sr. Indigent Criminal Defense Seminar
This outstanding program is being offered at no charge, as a service to members of the Virginia State Bar. Virginia lawyers engaged in the representation of Virginia’s indigent criminal population, either as public defenders or as court appointed counsel, are the target audience for this seminar. At the Chief Justice’s request, registration preference will be given to these two constituencies.
The seminar format will include a live program at the Richmond Marriot Downtown which will be broadcast via video at two satellite locations: Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave and the Wytheville Meeting Center.
Locations, Registration, and Space Limitations
Locations:
- Richmond — Richmond Marriot Downtown, 500 E Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219
- Weyers Cave — Blue Ridge Community College, 1 College Ln, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
- Wytheville — Wytheville Meeting Center, 333 Community Blvd, Wytheville, VA 24382
Richmond Registration
Weyers Cave Registration
Wytheville Registration
Advance registration for this seminar is mandatory. Space is limited to 400 registrants at the live location in Richmond; 100 registrants in Weyers Cave and 100 registrants in Wytheville. Walk-in registration will not be accepted at any location.
The seminar will be conducted in a smoke-free environment. If you have a disability that requires special accommodations to participate in the program, please contact the Virginia State Bar well in advance of the program date at [email protected].
Agenda
Agenda will be available soon.
Speakers
- Bryan Kennedy, Esq. - Deputy Public Defender - Fairfax, Virginia
- Catherine French Zagurskie, Esq. - VIDC
Confirmations
Upon the completion of your online registration through our website, you will receive an email confirmation from [email protected]. If you do not receive an email confirmation then you are not registered.
Cancellations & Questions
Due to limited space and guarantees for refreshments, transfer requests/cancellations must be received by email no later than 5 pm on Friday, September 11. Failure to request a transfer or cancel by this deadline may prevent another attorney on the waiting list from attending. Transfer requests/cancellations received after September 11 will result in a fee of $75 if we are unable to fill your spot. Failure to attend on the day of the program will result in a “No-Show Fee” of $100.
Please direct your transfer and/or cancellation requests and other inquiries to [email protected].
Written Materials
Each seminar attendee will receive a link to the written materials for the seminar, one week in advance.
Hotel and Scholarship Information
Hotel Accommodations
A block of rooms has been reserved for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Richmond Marriott Downtown ($157.00 plus taxes). All rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a room and receive the VSB group negotiated rate for this program, please use the booking link.
Scholarship Funds
A limited number of scholarship funds will be available to public defenders and court appointed counsel to offset the overnight hotel expense at the Richmond Marriott Downtown. The Scholarship Committee will consider requests for reimbursement of the cost of the hotel room ($157.00 ++) on a first-come, first-served basis. All requests must be received by July 24, 2026. Please send a written request for scholarship funds to: Katina Lancaster, Virginia State Bar, 1111 E. Main St., Suite 700, Richmond, VA 23219-0026; [email protected]