MRWBA News Update January 2026
Richmond Circuit Court Issues New Local Rule on Artificial Intelligence
Click here to view the rule issued by Chief Judge Jacqueline McClenney on January 13th.
Welcome New (& Returning) Members!
________________________ Honor a Woman, Invest in the Future
Thank you to everyone who supported our 50th anniversary campaign last year with a meaningful $50 gift. As we move confidently into our 51st year, we invite you to continue that momentum with “51 for the Future.” This year’s ask is simple—and powerful: donate $51 in honor of a woman who inspired you or made a difference in your career. It’s your chance to recognize the trailblazers who shaped our paths while investing in the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and visionaries. Your gift supports a future grounded in equity, opportunity, and empowerment—and ensures that the impact of those who came before us continues to grow. Honor. Invest. Inspire.________________________ Who Inspired You?Members have recently made donations in honor of:
Find out why on our Wall of Inspiration and decide who you want to recognize with your donation. ________________________ Virginia State Bar Seeks Award NominationsThe Virginia State Bar is now accepting nominations for several prestigious awards recognizing outstanding service, leadership, and excellence in the legal profession. Edward L. Chambers Jr. Lifetime Bar Service Award General Practice Section Tradition of Excellence Award R. Edwin Burnette Jr. Young Lawyer of the Year Award Members are encouraged to consider nominating deserving colleagues. Click the links above for full criteria and submission details. ________________________ Upcoming Program DatesWe know how busy you are, so we wanted to be sure to share the upcoming program dates for MRWBA so you can get them on your calendar now.
Watch for complete details about these upcoming programs on our events page. ________________________ | From the President
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February Luncheon: Negotiations Workshop
Join MRWBA at the Bank of America Building from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, for a discussion on negotiations with The Honorable Paul Cella (ret.) and The Honorable Catherine Hammond (ret.) of Juridical Solutions. Parking will be validated for all registrants.
Judge Paul Cella served as a judge in General District Court in the Eleventh Circuit (Powhatan, Nottoway, Amelia, and Dinwiddie Counties, as well as the City of Petersburg) from 2007 to 2011. He was Chief Judge from 2009 to 2011. He served as a Circuit Court Judge in the Eleventh Circuit from 2011 to 2025 and was Chief Judge from 2015 to 2023. From 2017 to 2024, he served as presiding judge for the Multijurisdictional Grand Jury for Powhatan, Goochland, Amelia, and Prince Edward Counties. During his time on the bench, Judge Cella heard and decided numerous cases involving family law, personal injury, real estate, decedents’ estates, defamation, and business disputes. His private practice of law included general civil, business, and real estate matters. He resides in Powhatan County.
Judge Catherine Hammond served on the Henrico Circuit Court from 1999 through her retirement, following appointment by the Governor and multiple elections by the General Assembly. Before taking the bench, she practiced complex commercial litigation in Richmond and later served as Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation, overseeing tort claims, employment disputes, construction litigation, and major regulatory matters for the Commonwealth.
Judge Hammond served three terms as Chief Judge and helped launch Henrico County’s first Adult Drug Treatment Court in 2002—now operating for more than 20 years. Since retiring, Judge Hammond has trained Adult Drug Treatment Courts nationwide as faculty with the National Drug Court Institute. A lifelong volunteer and widely recognized leader, she is a member of Virginia Lawyers’ Weekly Hall of Fame, a recipient of its Influential Women of Virginia Award, and the MRWBA Award of Achievement. She founded Juridical Solutions PLC in 2018.
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Do you Know an Amazing Mentor? Nominate Them for the Phoebe P. Hall Mentorship Award!
Great mentors change careers—and lives. If you know someone who consistently lifts others up, opens doors, and leads with generosity, now is the time to recognize them.
The Phoebe P. Hall Mentorship Award, established in 2019 by the Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association, honors extraordinary mentors and celebrates the remarkable legacy of MRWBA founding member Phoebe P. Hall. A distinguished Virginia attorney, pioneer in private practice, and Rector of Virginia Commonwealth University, Phoebe devoted her career to excellence, leadership, and service. She co-founded Hall & Hall, PLC in 1969, earned MRWBA’s Women of Achievement Award in 2006, and was inducted into the Virginia Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame in 2018.
Most importantly, Phoebe was a generous mentor and trusted friend to countless young attorneys. This award proudly carries forward her legacy of mentorship, encouragement, and inclusion.
How to NominateThere is no official form—just submit a written nomination by March 2, 2026, to mrwba@halcyonmgmtllc.com.
Nominations should highlight the candidate’s excellence in mentoring, including their commitment to supporting law students and attorneys as they pursue personal and professional success. Candidates are evaluated on:
- A demonstrated commitment to mentoring and developing others;
- Kindness, collegiality, and strong interpersonal skills;
- Meaningful contributions to training, networking, and well-being; and
- Dedication to working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
Click here for full criteria and nomination details.
Past Recipients of the Phoebe P. Hall Mentorship Award
- Judge Margaret Deglau (2025)
- Judge Jayne Pemberton (2024)
- Julie McConnell (2023)
- Miriam Airington-Fisher (2022)
- Jacquelyn Stone & Carole Yeatts (2021)
- Phoebe P. Hall (2020)
The award will be presented at the Annual Mentorship Luncheon. Event details coming soon—stay tuned!
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Member SpotlightShannon L. Taylor - Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney
What type of law do you practice? How long have you been a member of MRWBA? I've been an MRWBA member since 2003. What have you enjoyed most about your time in MRWBA? The camaraderie with other women who practice in different areas of the law. Also, the presentations at the luncheons. I always feel like I am learning something! What do you like most about practicing law? My work has evolved from trial advocacy to policy, and I really like taking my experiences to develop policies that can help as many people as possible. What is at the top of your bucket list? I need more travel in my life. What is the one app on your phone you cannot live without? If the Text app counts…it must be that one. What book is currently on your bedside table? An oldie ... John Grisham's The Brethren. When I am not at the office, I like to ... Golf and relax at some places here in the United States or elsewhere… (See answer to bucket list above). If I weren’t practicing law, I would be… talking about how I missed my American Idol moment, but honestly, after practicing for 30 years, I cannot imagine doing anything but practicing law…I love it! What advice would you give to someone who just passed the bar? Hang in there! If you are looking for a job, you will find one. If you have a job, love it and love your leadership and colleagues. Remember, you spend more time with your work “family” than anyone else. Find a place where you love going to work every day! | Board Member SpotlightLaurel Via - Winslow, McCurry & MacCormac, PLLC, Sponsorship Chair
What type of law do you practice? I primarily practice in the areas of family law and estate planning. But, I handle guardianship and conservatorship matters, both as retained counsel. I am certified as an adult GAL, and I also handle real estate closings. How long have you been a member of MRWBA? I’ve been an MRWBA member since 2021. What have you enjoyed most about your time in MRWBA? The people! MRWBA has amazing members, and I love catching up with old friends and making new ones at each event. What do you like most about practicing law? The variety. Sure, I generally handle the same types of cases, but no two are the same. I enjoy hearing about each client’s unique situation and working together to find a solution. What is at the top of your bucket list? I want to travel to every continent. What is the one app on your phone you cannot live without? My Kindle app. I read whenever I have a free moment. What book is currently on your bedside table? House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas. When I am not at the office, I like to … ride horses, travel, and spend time with my family and friends. If I wasn’t practicing law, I would be… a veterinarian or librarian. What advice would you give to someone who just passed the bar? Join all the bar associations that you can. Membership is such a great way to network and to meet other attorneys in your practice area in a friendly environment.
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