Welcome to the Docket Call

As the official newsletter of the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Section, the Docket Call provides news about our activities, highlights member achievements, and offers insights and other information that will assist new and young lawyers in the practice of law.

Check out the most recent articles below:

Volunteers Needed for the Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Pre-Law Institute

Posted on 6/1/2026
By: Mikaela Phillips
We are gearing up for the 2026 Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Pre-Law Institute and are asking for your help in two capacities.

Mikaela Phillips Receives 2026 Young Lawyer of the Year Award

Posted on 5/6/2026
By: Virginia State Bar
The Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Section has named Mikaela Phillips, assistant solicitor general for the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, as the R. Edwin Burnette Jr. Young Lawyer of the Year.

Deadlines and Duties: A Reflection on Our Conflicting Responsibilities

Posted on 4/30/2026
By: Nathan Mueller
Two duties are at the heart of our profession as attorneys and professional counselors — our duty to advocate and defend our clients and our duty to opposing counsel and the court.

VFOIA: Proactively avoiding delays in obtaining privately maintained public records

Posted on 4/20/2026
By: Wil Russell
In litigation, the familiar adage “timing is everything” is perhaps most applicable. Having the right information at the right time can make the difference between confident, informed litigation strategy and being caught flat-footed.

U.S. Supreme Court in Preview: Crucial Cases to Watch for 2025–26

Posted on 11/10/2025
By: Nathan Moelker
The 2025–2026 term, which began in October, features several cases with far-reaching implications for Virginia practitioners across multiple practice areas.

Brief-Writing 101 for the Busy Trial Lawyer

Posted on 9/15/2025
By: Matthew R. McGuire and Rachel L. Yates
Writing a great appellate brief is challenging. Whole books by dueling experts have been written on the subject. But most of the advice on brief-writing is primarily geared towards other appellate lawyers.

A Different Approach to the Most Important Part of the Trial: Jury Selection

Posted on 8/18/2025
By: Sharif L. Gray
In most trials, jury selection is the most underutilized opportunity. The prevailing approach—asking perfunctory questions and striking anyone who raises concern—reflects a “find the bad jurors” mindset. That mindset misses the point.

How to Generate Referrals as a Young Lawyer (Even If You Aren’t a Partner)

Posted on 8/8/2025
By: Brian Glass
If you want to generate referrals and make it rain (even as an associate) you must do three things: Be useful, be visible, and be memorable.

Riches in Niches: Setting Yourself Up as the Go-To Lawyer in Your State

Posted on 8/8/2025
By: Brian Glass
For young lawyers, or even experienced ones looking to stand out, choosing a niche is one of the most powerful ways to build authority, command higher fees, and create a steady pipeline of ideal clients.

Your Personal Brand as an Intrapreneur: How to Be Known If You Aren’t the Owner

Posted on 8/8/2025
By: Brian Glass
Personal branding isn’t just for firm owners. Whether you’re on the path to partnership or planning to launch your own practice someday, building your name within your firm and your broader legal community is critical.

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