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• Luncheon - 4th Amendment Privacy Law

  • When
    Thursday, March 19, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Norfolk Courthouse Rotunda

  Register

  Join us for the monthly Luncheon Meeting on March 19, 2026

  12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

  Free to NPBA Members; $30.00 Non-Members

  Registration includes a boxed lunch and water.

  Speaker: Professor James Duane

  

  Professor James Duane has been interviewed about legal matters on television and radio, including National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, and has testified before the Advisory Committee of the United States Judicial Conference on the Federal Rules of Evidence. He has lectured before lawyers and law professors at conferences and training sessions conducted by Hastings Law School, the College of William and Mary, the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, among others. Duane is a member of the Boyd-Graves Conference of the Virginia Bar Association, and is admitted to practice before the courts of New York and Virginia, as well as numerous federal courts. In the spring of 2008, he gave a talk at Regent Law School about some of the reasons why even innocent criminal suspects should never agree to answer questions from the police, and that video now has more than 5 million views on YouTube.

  Disclaimer

  By registering for this Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) event or program you consent to being photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded at the event or program. By doing so, you grant to the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) rights to the release, publication or reproduction of any recorded media taken at the event or program of your appearance, voice or name for use by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) and its management team.       

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• Post Luncheon CLE - The Nine Circles of Appellate Hell: Acting as the Appellate Virgil to the Trial Lawyer’s Dante

  • When
    Thursday, March 19, 2026
  •  
    1:15 PM
  • Location
    Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room

  Register

  Thursday, March 19, 2026

  1:15pm to 2:15pm - Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room

  Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members

  Summary: 

  Despite Dante's sharp pen, he needed Virgil to guide him through the 9 circles of Hell. No matter how seasoned a quick-witted lawyer is with trial work, he may be entrapped by the perils of litigating the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia and the technical missteps that could harm or doom your appeal. Throughout this CLE, we will act as your Virgil and help you prepare for your journey through the spooky appellate underworld.

  
  

  Presenters: W. Thomas Chappell, Woods Rogers, Sophie L. Arnold, Woods Rogers

  
  

  W. Thomas Chappell

  Thomas focuses his litigation practice on appeals, trusts and estates, community associations, and real estate. Thomas has significant trial experience and frequently appears in courtrooms throughout Hampton Roads. A former appellate law clerk for a justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Thomas regularly handles complex matters requiring advanced legal analysis, research, and writing.

  Thomas represents clients statewide in appeals before the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Supreme Court of Virginia, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In addition to handling appeals arising from the firm’s trial matters, he also collaborates with trial counsel at other firms as appellate consultant or counsel.

  Outside of work, most of Thomas's time is spent with his family doing things such as watching NASCAR races and going to the beach, the Norfolk Zoo, and William & Mary sporting events.

  Experience

  ●  5800 HVB, LLC v. Harbour View Commerce Ass’n, Inc., Record No. 0625-23-1, 2024 Va. App.LEXIS 359 (Va. Ct. App., June 25, 2024) (successfully represented appellee community association).

  ● Episcopal Diocese of S. Va. v. Marshall, 81 Va. App. 255 (2024) (successfully represented appellants in complex appeal concerning ecclesiastical abstention).

  ● Cartograf USA, Inc. v. Comerica Bank, 85 Va. App. 1 (2025) (successfully represented an appellee in a judicial sale matter).

  Sophie L. Arnold

  Sophie's practice focuses on litigation and dispute resolution.

  Prior to joining Woods Rogers, Sophie served as a law clerk to the Honorable Tasha D. Scott and the Honorable Everett A. Martin, Jr., in the Norfolk Circuit Court.

  While attending the University of Richmond School of Law, Sophie was a copy editor for the Journal of Law and Technology, and received both the Law Faculty Award in Intellectual Property and a CALI Award of Excellence in Copyright Law and Trademark Law. She completed law school with a certificate in Intellectual Property.

  During law school, Sophie was a member of the Intellectual Property Clinic, and she loved the topic and doing client facing work. Since completing her clerkship, Sophie has found that litigation is where she thrives, whether it be contract or tort claims, or the niche world of intellectual property.

  Sophie grew up in central Florida in a small community and completed her undergraduate degree in Literature. She originally believed that she might pursue a career in education, as much of her family has, but decided to take the LSAT on a whim and went to law school instead. Once Sophie got to Virginia, she fell in love with the seasons and people, and decided to relocate here permanently with her husband.

  Disclaimer

  By registering for this Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) event or program you consent to being photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded at the event or program. By doing so, you grant to the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) rights to the release, publication or reproduction of any recorded media taken at the event or program of your appearance, voice or name for use by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) and its management team.       

  
  

  
  

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• Breakfast with the Bench - The Hon. Elizabeth Hanes

  • When
    Friday, March 20, 2026
  •  
    7:15 AM
  • Location
    NY Bagel Cafe / 580 E. Main Street / Suite 101 / Norfolk, VA 23510 - Right across from the Courthouse

  Register

  YLS Breakfast with the Bench. The Hon. Elizabeth Hanes from the United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia will be our Host.

  NY Bagel Cafe

  580 E. Main Street

  Suite 101

  Norfolk, VA 23510

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• 28th Annual Bench Bar Conference - CLE Pending Approval

  • When
    Tuesday, March 31, 2026
  •  
    12:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Norfolk Waterside Marriott / 235 East Main Street / Norfolk, VA 23510

  Register

  
  

  Mark Your Calendar: 28th Annual NPBA Bench Bar Conference!

  Join us on Tuesday, March 31, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott for the premier gathering of the Hampton Roads legal community. This is your chance to earn 3.0 CLE credits while gaining invaluable facetime with local judges and colleagues including keynote speaker: The Hon. Jamar K. Walker, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

  Why Participate?

  • Register: Secure your spot for an afternoon of insightful breakout sessions and a high-energy networking reception.
  • Sponsor: Position your firm or business front-and-center! Sponsorships offer a direct line to hundreds of legal professionals and demonstrate your commitment to the local Bar.

  Agenda

  11:30 a.m. Registration Opens
  
  12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Keynote Speaker
  The Hon. Jamar K. Walker, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

  1:30 – 1:45 p.m. Coffee Break
  

  1:45 – 2:45 p.m.  General Session – 1 hr. CLE Ethics (pending*)
  Topic: Do’s and Don’ts of Jury Trials

  Speakers:

  • Kevin Biniazan, Breit Biniazan
  • David C. Bowen, Willcox Savage
  • Hon. Mark S. Davis, U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • Hon. Jamilah D. LeCruise, Norfolk Circuit Court
  • Mario Lorello, Zoby & Broccoletti, P.C.
  • Session Moderator: Katherine Lennon Ellis

  2:50 – 3:10 p.m. Snack Break

  3:10 – 4:10 p.m. Breakout Sessions - 3 concurrent sessions – 1 hr. CLE (pending* for each topic)
  
  Topic:  Your Firm, AI Cybersecurity & You

  Panelists:

  •  Darius K. Davenport, Crenshaw, Ware, & Martin, PLC
  • Session Moderator: Wilfredo Bonilla, Jr., Crenshaw, Ware, & Martin, PLC

  Topic: Pro Bono – Expungement Petitions

  Panelists/Moderator:

  • Janet James, Esq.
  • Tricia Batson, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia 

  Topic: Civility and Zealous Advocacy in Modern Legal Practice

  Panelists:

  • Hon. David W. Lannetti, Norfolk Circuit Court
  • Joyvan Malbon-Griffin, Esq., Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company
  • Jennifer L. Eaton, Woods Rogers
  • Session Moderator:  Jason Ohana, Willcox Savage

  4:10 – 4:30 p.m. Coffee Break

  4:30 – 5:30 p.m.  Final General Session – 1 hr. CLE (pending*)

  Topic: Significant Statutory Changes of Judicial Opinions from the Past Year

  Panelists:

  • The Hon. Everett A. Martin, Jr., Norfolk Circuit Court
  • L. Steven Emmert, Partner in Sykes, Bourdon, Ahern & Levy, P.C.
  • Session Moderator: Sophie L. Arnold, Woods Rogers

  5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reception sponsored by The McCammon Group and Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers

  We look forward to seeing you at the Conference.

  The Members of the NPBA Bench Bar Committee

  *Application for approval for this course or program is pending with the Virginia Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board.

  Disclaimer

  By registering for this Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) event or program you consent to being photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded at the event or program. By doing so, you grant to the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) rights to the release, publication or reproduction of any recorded media taken at the event or program of your appearance, voice or name for use by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) and its management team.             

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• NPBA Executive Committee Meeting

  • When
    Wednesday, April 08, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom - Dial in Information to Follow

  
  

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• NPBA Pro Bono Committee Meeting

  • When
    Tuesday, April 14, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom - Information to be Sent

  
  

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• NPBA Pro Bono Committee Meeting

  • When
    Tuesday, May 12, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom - Information to be Sent

  
  

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• Tentative - NPBA Executive Committee Meeting

  • When
    Wednesday, May 13, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom - Information to be Sent

  
  

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• NPBA Annual Meeting

  • When
    Thursday, May 14, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Norfolk Yacht & Country Club / 7001 Hampton Boulevard / Norfolk, VA 23505

  Register

  
  

  Reconnect with your colleagues and make new professional connections at the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association
  Annual Meeting 2026!
  
  

  • Installation of officers
  • Tickets are $70 for NPBA Members and Guests ($50 for YLS Members and Guests). Tickets for Non-Members are $90.00.
  • 2 drink tickets and heavy hors d’oeuvres are included with every registration

              contact@norfolkandportsmouthbar.org

  
  

  Exclusive Sponsor:  

  
  

  Disclaimer

  By registering for this Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) event or program you consent to being photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded at the event or program. By doing so, you grant to the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) rights to the release, publication or reproduction of any recorded media taken at the event or program of your appearance, voice or name for use by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) and its management team.        

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• CLE - "Estate Planning Fundamentals for Clients in Transition"

  • When
    Thursday, July 16, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room
  • Spaces left
    22

  Register

  Thursday, July 16, 2026

  1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room

  Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members
  

  1 CLE hr

  Area of Law: Estate Planning

  Summary: 

  A practical overview of the core estate planning tools every client should address during major life changes such as divorce, separation, remarriage, or custody modifications. This CLE will cover the basics of wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and guardianship provisions, with a focus on how these documents intersect with family law matters and settlement agreements. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for identifying estate planning risks in transitional periods and knowing when to coordinate or refer to protect their clients’ long-term interests.

  Presenters: Rebecca Melone, Erik McCauley, and Jeff Sodoma, Melone Hatley, P.C.

  Rebecca Melone, Esq. is the Founder, Owner, and Managing Partner of Melone Hatley, P.C., a nationally recognized family law and estate planning law firm with a growing presence across multiple states. An entrepreneur at heart, Rebecca launched the firm in 2014 as a solo practitioner with a vision to redefine client service in family law. Under her strategic leadership, the firm has expanded into a multi-office operation with more than two dozen attorneys serving clients in Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas. Her growth-driven mindset, combined with a deep commitment to client advocacy, has positioned Melone Hatley as a premier destination for families seeking trusted legal guidance.

  Driven by a vision to provide families with trusted legal counsel during life’s most challenging times, Rebecca built her firm on the principles of compassion, integrity, and relentless advocacy. Her leadership continues to reflect these values, guiding the firm’s growth while maintaining a deep commitment to personalized service. Under her direction, Melone Hatley has become one of the fastest-growing family law practices in the country.

  A respected litigator and dynamic leader, Rebecca has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Leaders in Law” 2025, Costal Virginia Business NextGen 2025, SuperLawyers Rising Star, and Inside Business Top 40 Under 40. Beyond her legal practice, she is actively involved in the legal community — mentoring young attorneys and speaking at professional events. Rebecca has spent time in the community volunteering with Wills on Wheels, Pets on Wheels, and served on the Board of the Society of Virginia.

  Erik W. McCauley, Esq. is the Managing Litigation Attorney for the Virginia offices of Melone Hatley P.C. In this role, Erik leads complex cases, manages and mentors attorneys, and guides the firm’s overall litigation strategy across a wide spectrum of family law and estate planning matters, always prioritizing the needs and goals of his clients.

  With extensive experience in high-stakes family law and estate cases, Erik is recognized for his steady judgment, courtroom poise, and strategic approach. He works closely with clients at every stage – developing case strategy, gathering evidence, and navigating negotiations, mediation, or trial – always focused on achieving durable, positive outcomes.

  A long-time resident of Hampton Roads, Erik has successfully represented clients across the state. His experience in both large and boutique firms has honed his ability to quickly assess disputes, evaluate risk, and determine the most effective path forward, whether through strategic settlement or assertive litigation, always with the client’s long-term interests in mind.

  Jeffrey “Jeff” Sodoma, Esq. is an estate planning and elder law attorney in Melone Hatley, P.C.’s Virginia Beach, VA office, where his practice is focused on helping individuals and families create comprehensive estate plans that protect assets, address future needs, provide long-term security for loved ones, and preserve generational wealth. He works closely with clients to develop thoughtful, forward-looking plans tailored to each client’s goals and circumstances that offer peace of mind for the future. Jeff always places his client’s best interests first and foremost.  

  Jeff regularly advises clients on all aspects of estate planning, including wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance medical directives, advance planning strategies, and estate and trust administration. He also represents clients in guardianship and conservatorship matters, guiding families through complex legal and fiduciary responsibilities with compassion and legal clarity.  He is also a VSB-registered Real Estate Settlement Agent.   

  Before joining Melone Hatley, P.C., Jeff founded and led his own Virginia Beach-based estate planning and elder law practice, where he advised clients throughout Virginia on long-term planning, incapacity preparation, and fiduciary duties. This experience gave him firsthand insight into the importance of clear communication and intentional planning, particularly when addressing aging, disability, and family dynamics. Jeff also was employed with another regionally focused law firm in the Hampton Roads area. 

  In addition to estate planning and administration, Jeff assists clients with fiduciary and compliance-related issues that often arise during the planning and administration process. His background supports a detail-oriented, analytical approach to estate matters, particularly when plans involve multiple parties, long-term oversight, or heightened legal responsibility. These skills help him with any estate planning matters for Virginia Beach families. 

  
  

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