Friday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. – Noon ET
| MCLE Credit: | 2.0 |
| Live-Interactive Credit: | 2.0 (all formats) |
Join us on December 6, 2024, for an in-depth exploration of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and stay ahead of the curve with the latest updates and best practices.
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act is a cornerstone of transparency, ensuring public access to government records at all levels in Virginia. This seminar will provide a comprehensive review of the Act, including the latest updates effective July 1, 2024. Participants will gain a deep understanding of what constitutes a public record, the statutory exemptions, and the rights and responsibilities under FOIA.
Who Should Attend?
This seminar is essential for any practitioner involved in public records requests, whether representing government bodies, advising private clients, or working in the media. Both seasoned attorneys and those new to FOIA will benefit from the insights and practical advice provided by our expert panel.
Key Topics Covered:
Registration Deadlines:
| Webcast: | 10 minutes prior to seminar. If you register for a webcast the day of the seminar, your e-mail receipt will include a link to launch the seminar and download the materials. |
| Telephone: | Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. the day preceding the seminar Call (800) 979-8253 to register up to one hour prior to the seminar |
| Live on Site: | Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. the day preceding the seminar Walk-in registration is permitted on a space-available basis |
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $40 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE®.
Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.
Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions and are attending the seminar in person, please email tfitzgerald@vacle.org.
Inclement Weather Policy and Updates
MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.
Can’t Attend?
E-mail distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an online or USB seminar.
E-mail publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program’s seminar materials are made available for sale.
10:00 | Nuts and Bolts of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)—Understanding the New FOIA Rules |
12:00 | Adjourn |
Charles “Chuck” Slemp, Troutman Pepper / Richmond
Eric A. Gregory, Hefty Wiley & Gore / Richmond
Charles “Chuck” Slemp, Troutman Pepper / Richmond
Chuck Slemp currently advises clients on a wide range of complex issues that frequently involve government actions, including investigations, inquiries, regulatory matters, and litigation. With a distinguished background in the law and public service, he served as chief deputy attorney general of Virginia before joining the firm. In addition to overseeing the Department of Law and Division of Debt Collection, he managed a team of attorneys who handle complex litigation and investigations. He also directed the attorney general’s legislative affairs and represented the attorney general in various capacities.
As an elected official, Mr. Slemp served six years as the commonwealth’s attorney of Wise County and the city of Norton in Virginia. His work included leading the largest prosecutor’s office in southwestern Virginia, coordinating complex multijurisdictional law-enforcement operations, and serving as the victim witness services director. In addition to prosecuting serious and violent crimes, he drafted legislation, advocated before the General Assembly, crafted programs to promote economic development and public safety, strengthened policies to protect seniors from elder abuse, and addressed the opioid addiction crisis affecting central Appalachia.
Mr. Slemp also served in a quasi-judicial capacity as commissioner of accounts and general receiver, responsible for Virginia’s probate court and the supervision of various fiduciaries admitted to qualify before the circuit court. As the official responsible for the settlement of fiduciary accounts, he conducted hearings to make determinations on a wide range of issues, including the sufficiency of fiduciary bonds, creditors’ claims, and disputes involving estate administration. Before this appointment, he operated his own general practice law firm, where his areas of focus included wills and estate planning law, juvenile advocacy, and criminal defense in state and federal courts. He also served as town attorney for the town of Pennington Gap, providing advice to the town council and officials, drafting ordinances, and handling employment matters.
Eric A. Gregory, Hefty Wiley & Gore / Richmond
Eric Gregory is a partner with the firm of Hefty Wiley & Gore. He previously served as county attorney for the Counties of King George and Powhatan. Prior to entering local government, he served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Commonwealth’s Office of the Attorney General from 2004 to 2011, ultimately serving on the Attorney General’s senior staff. He also served on the Virginia Freedom of Information Act Advisory Council from 2010–2011.
Prior to entering public service, Mr. Gregory practiced law for a private firm in Richmond, focusing on civil litigation. He provides comprehensive legal services to the firm’s local government and other clients, including services related to land use and zoning, contracts and procurement, human resources and employment, legislation and public policy, real estate transactions, compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and other areas.
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