From the President

Dear MRWBA Friends,

This month we celebrate 100 years of commemorating Black History Month in the United States. As we honor the achievements, struggles, and profound impact of African Americans on U.S. history and culture, I cannot help but think about how far we have come, yet how grim things still feel. Some days it can be hard to think about all the turmoil and hatred around us, but I’m looking for ways to find peace amidst the chaos. 

Ironically, on the 100th day of their 2,300 mile Walk for Peace, the Venerable Monks traveled through our City – the former capital of the Confederacy – during the 100th year honoring Black History Month. During their walk, the monks reminded us that finding peace in the world does not mean accepting submission. Instead, they believe that true power is staying calm when it is the least expected response – even when you have all the reasons to feel angry or hopeless.       

They also reminded us that peace can be found in the madness around us, in the small gestures. After their time in Richmond, their organizers wrote, “To see thousands of people choosing to walk together for peace … to feel the power of that collective intention moving through the streets of Richmond — this was beyond anything we could have imagined.”

I spoke with many friends and family members who were deeply moved by their time walking with and observing the monks. It was what they needed, and it gave them a reason to believe in something instead of doubting things. 

As an organization, I am moved by the small moments that we spend together. Despite all that is going on around us, we have one another, and we can find joy and peace in our gatherings. During our luncheon on February 11, Judge Hammond discussed the strategies for effective negotiation. She acknowledged that drawing a hard line with one another or being anchored in a position may be a successful strategy at times, but it will not bring long-term success. I think that message rings true in our daily lives, too. Instead of looking at others with frustration or contempt, maybe we can find a way to reach common ground. Perhaps we can choose a strategy that creatively reaches agreements and peaceful discord.

As the monks are teaching us, and as so many civil rights leaders have taught us, peace is a winning strategy, and I pray it will be the one that we keep choosing.

Cheers,
Katy

Katy Groover
2025-2026 MRWBA President

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Virginia State Bar Seeks Award Nominations

The Virginia State Bar is now accepting nominations for several prestigious awards recognizing outstanding service, leadership, and excellence in the legal profession.

Tradition of Excellence Award
Recognizes a general practice attorney who exemplifies professional excellence and meaningful community service. Nominations are due March 31, 2026. View qualifications and nomination instructions.

R. Edwin Burnette Jr. Young Lawyer of the Year Award
Honors an exceptional young lawyer for service to the profession, the Young Lawyers Section, and the community. Nominations are due March 31, 2026. Will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting. Nominate online and learn more.

Military and Veterans Law Pro Bono Award
Our service members and veterans who willingly offer, and offered, to sacrifice their all in the support and protection of our Nation are in need of legal assistance to help defend their interests at home. Many of our Bar members have stepped up to meet this challenge, and as a part of their practice make service members and veterans a priority. The Military and Veterans Law Section seeks to identify and recognize those members of the Bar who diligently protect those who protect, and served to protect, our Nation.
Nominations are due April 3, 2026. Will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting.
View qualifications and nomination instructions.

Local Bar Leader of the Year Award
Identifies past and presently active leaders of local bar associations who have continued to offer important service to the bench, bar, and public. The award is a continuing monument to the dedication of local bar leaders and emphasizes the importance of close cooperation between the Virginia State Bar and local bar leaders.
Nominations are due April 10, 2026. Will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting.
View qualifications and nomination instructions.

Specialty Bar Leader of the Year
Identifies past and presently active leaders of specialty bar associations who have continued to offer important service to the bench, bar, and public. The award is a continuing monument to the dedication of specialty bar leaders. It also emphasizes the importance of close cooperation between the Virginia State Bar and specialty bar leaders. Nominations are due April 10, 2026. Will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting. View qualifications and nomination instructions.

Bar Association of the Year Award
This award will be presented to a bar association that demonstrates the impact it has made upon the legal community and community at large, regardless of the size of that bar association. Nominations are due April 10, 2026. Will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting. View qualifications and nomination instructions.

Awards of Merit
These awards of merit recognize outstanding projects and programs of local and specialty bar associations. Multiple recipients may be selected each year at the discretion of the judging panel elected by the executive committee of the Local and Specialty Bar Section. Nominations are due April 10, 2026. Will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting. View qualifications and nomination instructions.

Clarence M. Dunnaville Jr. Achievement Award
This award honors a member of the VSB for setting an example that fellow members can emulate to meet the section’s goal of fostering and encouraging full and equal participation in Virginia’s legal profession, where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and in ensuring that Virginia meets the legal needs of an ever-changing population. The award commemorates the life of Clarence M. Dunnaville Jr. and his unceasing devotion to civil rights in our Commonwealth. Nominations are due April 15, 2026. Will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting. View qualifications and nomination instructions.

Award for Excellence in Wellness & Well-Being in the Legal Profession
This award recognizes organizations or individuals advancing attorney health. Inaugurated in 2022, it highlights efforts like the Virginia Bar Association's (VBA) COVID-19 Law Practice Live Chats and the Annual Lawyer Wellness Challenge. 
Nominations are due April 10, 2026. Will be presented at the VSB Annual Meeting. View qualifications and nomination instructions.

Members are encouraged to consider nominating deserving colleagues. Click the links above for full criteria and submission details. 

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