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Image source: http://norfolk.photodeck.com/-/galleries/city-of-norfolk-courthouse/-/medias/4709b6d4-634c-434c-9b97-2335ff9fc171-norfolk-courthouse-06-26-18 Author: Andrew Cooper - City of Norfolk photographer

Join the Norfolk & portsmouth Bar Association

The NPBA has served the Legal Profession, the Judiciary and the Public since 1900. Membership is open to licensed attorneys, law students, legal administrators, and the local military legal community.


Join us

Holiday Closures at the Norfolk Law Library

  • Thanksgiving: Closed from November 27th (half-day) through November 29th.
  • Christmas: Closed from December 24th through December 26th.
  • New Year’s: Closed from December 31st through January 1st.

    During this holiday season, the library remains at your service, whether you prefer to visit us in person, reach out by phone (757-622-2910), or connect via email (staff@norfolklawlibrary.org).

NPBA is excited to announce new annual sponsorship and advertising opportunities for 2024-2025. Can we count on you?

Sponsor and Advertise with NPBA in 2024-2025!

Click link above to learn more!

NPBA Mentorship Survey

Are you a newly admitted attorney looking for someone to give you advice as you navigate your early years of practice? Are you an attorney seeking to enter a new practice area and looking for advice from an experienced attorney in that practice area? Have you recently moved to Hampton Roads and desire to have an individual that can give you tips and advice for practicing in Hampton Roads? Are you someone who desires to become a mentor to give any of the advice referenced above? If so, the NPBA YLS Mentorship Program is for you!

The NPBA Young Lawyers are excited to bring back the mentorship program again this year! The goal of the program is to accommodate individuals with various different goals and from all backgrounds, ages, practice areas, and schedules. In accordance with these goals, we have created a questionnaire wherein you can provide information regarding your background, goals, and schedule as a mentor or mentee. Once you complete the questionnaire, we will pair you based upon your individual responses, as best with can, with someone who aligns with the information you provide on the questionnaire.

Click here to learn more!

Upcoming events

    • Wednesday, November 13, 2024
    • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Zoom
    • Wednesday, November 13, 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • The Stockpot / 215 E. Plume Street / #100 / Norfolk, VA 23510
    Register

    “Come join the Young Lawyers Section at Stockpot on Wednesday, November 13th for our monthly meeting followed by a young professionals social and trivia! The official YLS meeting starts at 6PM, which we highly encourage new members to attend. Starting at 6:30 we will have a mixer with young professionals in the area and then get into teams for trivia that starts at 7PM. In addition to signing up through the NPBA registration link, please also sign up on this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FZur7t3AvcUd6o_WRVxZMii65k4IesqENbEnRrXB-SQ/edit?usp=sharing

    The address is 215 E Plume St. #100, Norfolk, VA 23510. Our mixer will include members of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (“NAIFA”), Young CPAs, and other young professionals. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the YLS Chair Bernice Dewlow at BerniceD@laseva.org. See you all there!”

    • Thursday, November 21, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Norfolk Courtbouse Rotunda
    • 39
    Register

    November 21, 2024

    12:00pm to 1:00pm

    Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members

    Registration includes boxed lunch and water.

    Presenters: 

    Barbara Mardigian, LPC


    VJLAP Clinical Director

    Barbra Mardigian is a Licensed Professional Counselor who joined Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program as the Deputy Clinical Director in 2019, and November 1, 2022, became the Clinical Director. Barbara has been licensed in the State of Virginia since 2004 and has worked in the field of addiction and mental health. She was formerly the Executive Director of an outpatient addiction treatment center in Richmond. She has worked in the field of addiction since 1997 as a clinical director, and clinician in a variety of levels of treatment, including outpatient, residential and acute psychiatric inpatient care. Barbara was a lead clinician at the Farley Center in their Professionals Program.


    Barbara has been supervising individuals working towards their LPC and CSAC counselors in the state of Virginia since 2011.

    Barbara is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University receiving her Master of Science, in Rehabilitation Counseling and undergraduate degree in Psychology from Ferrum College.


    Charlene Reilly, MA, JD


    VJLAP Education and Outreach Manager

    Charlene Reilly joined Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program in 2023 as the Education and Outreach Manager. Prior to VJLAP, Charlene worked in-house as regulatory mortgage compliance counsel, focusing on consumer finance matters, for a national mortgage loan subservicer and a Virginia banking institution. Having practiced law, Charlene understands the pressures facing legal professionals and wants to help change the legal profession and be part of the solution to breaking the stigma and fear associated with addiction and mental illness in the legal profession.


    Charlene is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Washington, DC. Charlene obtained a BA in psychology (1998) and a JD from The Catholic University Columbus School of Law (2003). Charlene also received an MA in psychology from Pepperdine University (1999).

    • Thursday, November 21, 2024
    • 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
    • Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room
    • 17
    Register

    Registration Required!

    November 21, 2024
    NPBA Members: Free
    Not yet NPBA Members: $30.00 (1 CLE Credit)

      Summary

      • As presented at the VSB 2024 Pro Bono Conference, learn the fundamentals of an Uncontested Divorce from the Pro Bono perspective. 
      • Materials will include what is a pro bono uncontested divorce, divorce fundamentals and procedures, and practical matters of a pro bono uncontested divorce.

      22 Person Limit due to capacity

      Presenter:  

      Tricia Batson is the Director of the Pro Bono & Private Attorney Involvement Program at Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia (Legal Aid).

      Tricia started practicing law with Legal Aid as a staff attorney and has served in several roles in both the Hampton and Norfolk offices.  She has also served as a contributing author for Leading Practice Profiles for the Association of Corporate Counsel.  Ms. Batson received her undergraduate degree from DePauw University, and her juris doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

      Areas of Law:  Poverty / pro bono, Family, Consumer, Public Benefits, and Housing.

      Number of CLE hours: 1

      Must be present at the start of the CLE program until the end in order to receive credit(s).

      Additional Details:
      Please contact bar association staff at (757) 622-3152 or email contact@norfolkportsmouthbar.org if you have any questions.

      • Friday, November 22, 2024
      • 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
      • Zoom - Will send Zoom Information Closer to Event
      Register

      Registration Required!

      Virtual


      November 22, 2024
      NPBA Members: Free
      Not yet NPBA Members: $30.00 (1 CLE Credit)

      Summary:

      During legal proceedings—whether on the plaintiff or defense side—corporate reputations are on the line. Reputation experts often work hand-in-hand with legal counsel (as well as executive leadership) to provide critical counsel and support. The focus of this continued legal education (CLE) program is to 1) leverage the impact of reputation management and communications as part of a legal plan and 2) offer professional development opportunities for attorneys.

      Reputation management (public and digital) and communication support includes working to maintain effective internal communications in times of litigation, as well as helping attorneys bridge any reputation gap between their clients’ ideals and the public perception. Managing perceptions beforeduring and after a lawsuit can directly impact the client’s public standing, overall reputation, and the bottom line.

      Presenters:

      Casey Boggs is president of the national reputation management and crisis mitigation firm ReputationUs. RepUs enhances, advances, and protects corporate reputations while collaborating with lawyers. Before forming RepUs, Boggs was president of LT Public Relations, directing the strategic communications efforts for corporations, financial institutions, and legal clients. Prior to LTPR, Boggs served as public relations director at AIG, leading the public relations efforts of six affiliated companies. Boggs also managed accounts for two of the world’s largest public relations firms, Waggener Edstrom, and Weber Shandwick.

      Sameer Somal, CEO of Blue Ocean Global Technology, is a frequent speaker at conferences and leads partnerships with PR, Law, and Management Consulting agencies. A published writer and an Intellectual Property, Trademark and Internet Defamation subject matter expert witness, Sameer authors Continuing Legal Education programs in collaboration with Philadelphia Bar Foundation. He is a member of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) Education Advisory Council and serves on the national board of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Sameer is also an active member of the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) and a CFA Institute 2022 Inspirational Leader Award recipient.

      Areas of Law:  L&E, Litigation, Corporate, M&A, Healthcare, Cybersecurity, Civil, Real Estate, Tort, IP, Regulatory and Business (e.g., Product Recalls)

      Number of CLE hours: 1

      Must be present at the start of the CLE program until the end in order to receive credit(s).

      Additional Details:
      Please contact bar association staff at (757) 622-3152 or email contact@norfolkportsmouthbar.org if you have any questions.


      • Tuesday, December 10, 2024
      • 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
      • The Harbor Club / 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510


      • Tuesday, December 10, 2024
      • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
      • The Harbor Club / 333 Waterside Drive / Norfolk, VA 23510
      Register

      You're Invited to NPBA's Holiday Party at The Harbor Club

      NEW LOCATION!

      Join us at NPBA’s new location for 2024, the Harbor Club! Enjoy unmatched views of the Elizabeth River while feasting on a delicious, customized menu. Relax and socialize on the balcony in a sanctuary escape with soft lounge seating paired with fire pits, high top tables and soothing views of the water or inside with floor to ceiling windows. This open and lively atmosphere is the perfect location to unwind and connect with fellow professionals this holiday season.

      Limited Parking is available on a first come first serve basis.

      First 45 Registrants will receive Complimentary Parking.

      • Tuesday, December 17, 2024
      • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
      • Zoom

      Join Zoom Meeting

      https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88654767571?pwd=H9TCJj0blvfb3bWgXieZaGnuMJxXb3.1

      Meeting ID: 886 5476 7571

      Passcode: 391386

      The NPBA Bench Bar Conference Committee plans and executes programming and sponsorships for the Bench Bar Conference each April.

      NPBA's 27th Annual Bench Bar Conference will held on April 10, 2025 at Hilton Norfolk The Main from 12 to 6 p.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m.


      • Wednesday, January 08, 2025
      • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
      • Zoom
      • Tuesday, January 14, 2025
      • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
      • Zoom

      Join Zoom Meeting

      https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88654767571?pwd=H9TCJj0blvfb3bWgXieZaGnuMJxXb3.1

      Meeting ID: 886 5476 7571

      Passcode: 391386

      The NPBA Bench Bar Conference Committee plans and executes programming and sponsorships for the Bench Bar Conference each April.

      NPBA's 27th Annual Bench Bar Conference will held on April 10, 2025 at Hilton Norfolk The Main from 12 to 6 p.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m.


      • Thursday, January 16, 2025
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Norfolk Courthouse Rotunda
      • 54
      Register

      January 16, 2025

      12:00pm to 1:00pm

      Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members

      Registration includes boxed lunch and water.

      Join us for the monthly luncheon meeting on January 16, 2025, More Information to Come!



      • Thursday, January 16, 2025
      • 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
      • Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room
      • 22
      Register

      Registration Required!

      January 16, 2025
      NPBA Members: Free
      Not yet NPBA Members: $30.00 (1 CLE Credit)

      Summary

        • Who needs to obtain a contractor’s license in Virginia.
        • Various types of contractor’s licenses available in Virginia.
        • Process to renew a contractor’s license.
        • Process to reinstate a lapsed contractor’s license.
        • What updates are due by contractors to the Board of Contractors.
        • Additional obligations owed by contractors for residential construction work.
        • Criminal and civil penalties for contracting without a license.

        22 Person Limit due to capacity

        Presenter:  

        Kristan B. Burch, Kaufman & Canoles

        Kristan is a member of the firm’s Litigation Section and Chair of the Government Contracts & Construction Team. Her practice focuses on commercial disputes in the construction industries and government contracting. She handles the construction process from contract drafting and negotiation to project management to resolution of disputes. She assists clients with faulty workmanship and design claims, payment disputes, delay claims, mechanic’s liens, bond claims, and government contract disputes. Kristan appears in state and federal courts, in mediations, and in arbitrations, representing owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and sureties. She also handles commercial disputes in state and federal court along with trademark and copyright infringement actions, opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and franchise disputes. Kristan frequently writes articles and speaks on construction topics.

        PRACTICE AREAS

        • Franchising
        • Government & Municipal Law
        • Government Contracts & Construction
        • Intellectual Property
        • Litigation

        INDUSTRIES

        • Government Contracts & Defense Industries
        • Infrastructure & Transportation

        Areas of Law:  Construction Law

        Number of CLE hours: 1

        Must be present at the start of the CLE program until the end in order to receive credit(s).

        Additional Details:
        Please contact bar association staff at (757) 622-3152 or email contact@norfolkportsmouthbar.org if you have any questions.

        • Tuesday, February 04, 2025
        • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
        • Zoom - Will send Zoom Information Closer to Event
        Register

        Registration Required

        Virtual


        February 4, 2025
        NPBA Members: Free
        Not yet NPBA Members: $30.00 (1 CLE Credit)

        Summary:

        This course addresses the critical need for new associates to develop sustainable practices that promote both professional success and personal well-being. Drawing on tenets from the 2017 Lawyer Well-Being Task Force report, and science-backed, people-proven methodologies, participants will learn practical strategies to:

        • Implement effective energy management techniques
        • Fulfill obligations of competence, communication, and diligence
        • Prevent burnout and maintain long-term career satisfaction

        Key topics include:

        • Fundamentals of energy management for legal professionals
        • Balancing work demands with essential self-care practices
        • Developing emotional intelligence in high-pressure environments
        • Creating realistic action plans for sustainable work-life integration

        Participants will gain actionable tools to enhance their professional performance while safeguarding their mental, physical, and emotional health. This course supports the Virginia State Bar's commitment to promoting lawyer well-being and ethical practice.

        Presenter:


        Rachel Boehm, PhD Candidate, NBC-HWC

        Rachel Boehm, is a leading authority on burnout prevention and sustainable peak performance. She empowers decision-makers to protect themselves and their teams against the tens of thousands of dollars in direct and indirect costs of burnout. Her services include leadership coaching, team training, and culture change initiatives, ultimately enhancing employee engagement, retention, and client satisfaction. She holds a national board certification in health and wellness coaching and is a PhD candidate focused on business psychology and worker well-being. 

        Areas of Law:  Attorney Well-Being

        Number of CLE hours: 1

        Must be present at the start of the CLE program until the end in order to receive credit(s).

        Additional Details:
        Please contact bar association staff at (757) 622-3152 or email contact@norfolkportsmouthbar.org if you have any questions.

        • Tuesday, February 11, 2025
        • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Zoom

        Join Zoom Meeting

        https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88654767571?pwd=H9TCJj0blvfb3bWgXieZaGnuMJxXb3.1

        Meeting ID: 886 5476 7571

        Passcode: 391386

        The NPBA Bench Bar Conference Committee plans and executes programming and sponsorships for the Bench Bar Conference each April.

        NPBA's 27th Annual Bench Bar Conference will held on April 10, 2025 at Hilton Norfolk The Main from 12 to 6 p.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m.


        • Wednesday, February 12, 2025
        • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Zoom
        • Thursday, February 20, 2025
        • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
        • Norfolk Courthouse Rotunda
        • 55
        Register

        February 20, 2025

        12:00pm to 1:00pm

        Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members

        Registration includes boxed lunch and water.

        Join us for the monthly luncheon meeting on February 20, 2025, More Information to Come!


        • Thursday, February 20, 2025
        • 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
        • Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room
        • 22
        Register

        February 20, 2025

        1:15pm to 2:15pm

        Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members


        • Tuesday, March 11, 2025
        • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Zoom

        Join Zoom Meeting

        https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88654767571?pwd=H9TCJj0blvfb3bWgXieZaGnuMJxXb3.1

        Meeting ID: 886 5476 7571

        Passcode: 391386

        The NPBA Bench Bar Conference Committee plans and executes programming and sponsorships for the Bench Bar Conference each April.

        NPBA's 27th Annual Bench Bar Conference will held on April 10, 2025 at Hilton Norfolk The Main from 12 to 6 p.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m.


        • Wednesday, March 12, 2025
        • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Zoom
        • Thursday, March 20, 2025
        • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
        • Norfolk Courthouse Rotunda
        • 55
        Register

        March 20, 2025

        12:00pm to 1:00pm

        Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members

        Registration includes boxed lunch and water.

        Join us for the monthly luncheon meeting on March 20, 2025, More Information to Come!


        • Thursday, March 20, 2025
        • 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
        • Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room
        • 22
        Register

        March 20, 2025

        1:15pm to 2:15pm

        Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members


        • Tuesday, April 01, 2025
        • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Zoom

        Join Zoom Meeting

        https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88654767571?pwd=H9TCJj0blvfb3bWgXieZaGnuMJxXb3.1

        Meeting ID: 886 5476 7571

        Passcode: 391386

        The NPBA Bench Bar Conference Committee plans and executes programming and sponsorships for the Bench Bar Conference each April.

        NPBA's 27th Annual Bench Bar Conference will held on April 10, 2025 at Hilton Norfolk The Main from 12 to 6 p.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m.


        • Wednesday, April 09, 2025
        • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Zoom
        • Thursday, April 10, 2025
        • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
        • Hilton Norfolk The Main, 100 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510


        11:00 a.m. Registration Opens*

        *Registration pricing subject to change. Once approved, registration will open! Save the date - April 10, 2025!

        • Thursday, May 15, 2025
        • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
        • Norfolk Yacht & Country Club / 7001 Hampton Boulevard / Norfolk, VA 23505