2026 Professional Development Conference

Explore new career paths, sharpen your professional skills, and gain practical insights from experienced attorneys and legal professionals during the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Section's 2026 Professional Development Conference.

This full-day virtual conference features engaging sessions on non-traditional legal careers, advocacy and business strategy, legal ethics, effective legal writing, the Doctrine of Completed Staff Work, and expanding access to justice through pro bono service. Whether you're newly licensed or an experienced attorney looking to broaden your perspective, you'll leave with practical knowledge you can apply immediately in your practice.

The conference is open to all attorneys and will be presented live via GoTo Webinar. Registration closes Wednesday, August 12, at 1 pm.

Registration Fees:

• Complimentary for Young Lawyers Section members. Not a member? You can join the Young Lawyers Section for $20 by logging into your Virginia State Bar member account. Membership is open to all Virginia State Bar members, regardless of age or years in practice. Once you've joined, return to this page to complete your conference registration. 
• $49 for all other attendees

MCLE Credit: 6.0 hours of LIVE MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour of Ethics (pending approval). 

To register, sign in to the VSB member portal.

AGENDA

8:50–9 am     Welcome and Opening Remarks
 We will begin with a brief welcome, housekeeping reminders, and a few tips to help you make the most of today's virtual program.

9–10:30 am     Panel Discussion: Careers Outside the Courthouse: Non-Traditional & In-House Paths
Interested in exploring legal careers beyond traditional law firm practice? Hear from attorneys working in government, higher education, policy, and in-house roles as they discuss their career paths, day-to-day responsibilities, and practical advice for navigating alternative legal career paths.

Panelists: Dylan Bishop, Wilcox Savage; Mary Margaret Hawkins, U.S. Navy; Rita Passaglia, University of Richmond School of Law; Molly Zlock, University of Virginia
Moderator: Christy Compagnone, American Center for Law and Justice

10:40–11:40 am     Building and Influencing Markets: Legal Careers in Advocacy and Business Strategy
Discover how attorneys use their legal skills to shape public policy, influence legislation, and advise businesses on complex regulatory issues. This session explores how attorneys help shape public policy, influence legislation, and advise businesses on complex regulatory issues through antitrust and consumer protection practice.

Presenters: Brian Scarpelli, ACT | The App Association; James (Jim) Wilson, Wilson Law Group, PLC

11:40 am–12:40 pm    Ethics Hotline: The Top 10 Ethics Questions Every Young Lawyer Should Know 
Join members of the Virginia State Bar Ethics Hotline as they address ten of the most common ethics questions from newer attorneys. Learn practical guidance to help you navigate professional responsibility issues before they become ethical pitfalls.

Presenters: Diane Ferguson, Virginia State Bar; James Rice, Virginia State Bar

12:40–1:10 pm      Lunch Break

1:10–2:10 pm     The Doctrine of Completed Staff Work
Excellent lawyers do more than identify legal issues—they provide solutions. Learn the principles of the Doctrine of Completed Staff Work and how producing thorough, solution-oriented work product can build trust, improve efficiency, and distinguish you as a valuable member of any legal team.

Presenter: Court Shipman, Liberty University

2:10–3:10 pm     Legal Writing for Young Lawyers: What They Don't Teach You in Law School
Legal writing in practice often looks very different from law school assignments. This session provides practical techniques for writing clearly, persuasively, and efficiently while avoiding common mistakes that can undermine credibility with clients, colleagues, and the court.

Presenter: Alicia Penn-Taylor, LawrenceQueen

3:20–4:50 pm    Pro Bono Virginia: Expanding Access to Justice Across the Commonwealth
Learn about Pro Bono Virginia, a statewide initiative designed to expand and strengthen pro bono legal services throughout the Commonwealth. Presenters will discuss new resources, training opportunities, and innovative ways attorneys can engage in meaningful pro bono service and expand access to justice across Virginia.

Presenters: Lonnie (Chip) D. Nunley, III, Hunton Andrews Kurth, LLP; Bryan Slaughter, MichieHamlett PLLC

4:50–5:00 pm     Closing Remarks
Thank you for joining us! We will conclude the conference with final announcements, information on obtaining your MCLE attendance form, and a preview of future Young Lawyers Section programming.

Event notice updated 07/13/26.