Registration Required

CLE: "The Secrets Out: Nagivating the Virginia Trade Secrets Act"

Wedensday, March 5th 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

CLE Hours 1.5

March 5, 2025
NPBA Members: Free
Not yet NPBA Members: $45.00 (1 CLE Credit)

Summary:

This course provides a basic understanding of the Virginia Uniform Trade Secrets Act (VUTSA) primarily for general counsel, business-advisor, employment and litigation lawyers. 

Participants will learn:

• What defines a trade secret in Virginia
• How businesses can protect their trade secrets
• How trade secrets can be “lost”
• How trade secrets are misappropriated
• Remedies for misappropriation

Key Topics Include:

• An analysis of how Virginia and sister courts have struggled to define trade secrets
• Best practices for protecting trade secrets
• Examples of misappropriation by employees and competitors
• Various remedies for misappropriation, including “reasonable royalties”

Presenters: Christopher Davis and Erin McDaniel of Davis, Burch & Abrams

Chris Davis has been advising businesses on the VUTSA and litigating various aspects of the VUTSA for over fifteen years.  Chris received his JD and MBA from Regent University in 2007.  Chris began his legal career as in-house counsel for a Virginia Beach franchisor, where he litigated complex commercial disputes nationwide, including VUTSA cases.  In 2014, he founded Davis Law, PLC—now Davis, Burch & Abrams—which has grown to a ten-lawyer boutique firm with offices in Chesapeake and Richmond.  His practice focuses on commercial litigation and advising mid-market businesses.

Erin McDaniel, a Hampton Roads native, earned her B.A. from William & Mary, M.S. from Old Dominion University, and J.D. (cum laude) from Regent University.  During law school, Erin interned with Judge Jackson at the E.D.V.A. and with Judge Huff at the Virginia Court of Appeals. Erin’s practice over the past six years focuses on commercial litigation and business torts.  She recently litigated an eight-day trial involving the VUTSA in Norfolk Circuit Court.  She has been repeatedly recognized as a Rising Star and a Virginia Legal Elite.

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.