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VADA Installs Terrence L. Graves as 2007-2008 President

Terrence L. Graves, shareholder at the law firm of Sands Anderson Marks & Miller, was installed as President of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys during their meeting on October 25-26, 2007, becoming the fourth Sands Anderson attorney to hold that position, firm president C. Thomas Ebel announced recently.  (Click for picture of Terrence at the installation.)

Preceding Graves in the President's role were Frank "Bunky" Miller (1983-1984), M. Pierce Rucker, II (1990-1991) and Robert B. "Chip" Delano, Jr. (2002-2003). "Our firm's lawyers have a deep commitment to the advancement of our profession," noted Ebel, "and it is well evidenced by the number of VADA members within our firm, as well as their long-standing service in leadership positions." (Click for a picture of Pierce, Terrence, Bunky and Chip.)

Graves is co-chairman of the firm's Risk Management practice and chairs the Diversity Committee. He will serve as 2007-2008 President of the state's preeminent professional group of lawyers "who are dedicated to the defense of civil actions and the promotion of fairness and integrity in civil justice", according to the 800-member group.

"It is my privilege to help lead the distinguished group of lawyers who are the members of VADA," Graves said. The association's purpose is to assist Virginia attorneys in the professional and ethical representation of their clients in civil litigation through education, communication and fellowship, he explained.

Delano remarked, "Terrence, to my knowledge, will be the first African-American president of  VADA."

Founded more than 150 years ago, Sands Anderson has 76 lawyers practicing among its offices in Richmond, Blacksburg, Fredericksburg and McLean, Virginia, and the Research Triangle of North Carolina. In 2008, it was ranked 9th in the Virginia Lawyers Weekly annual listing of the state’s largest law firms. Sands Anderson provides a full range of legal services to corporations and businesses, healthcare providers, financial institutions, state and local governments, the insurance industry and individuals.