Ray being sworn in as VTLA 2026-2027 President

Melissa Ray has been sworn in as President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA) for the 2026 term, a distinguished leadership role within one of the Commonwealth’s most respected legal organizations. In this position, Ray will help guide VTLA’s ongoing mission to protect and strengthen Virginia’s civil justice system and advocate for the rights of injured individuals and families.

Ray has been an active leader within VTLA for many years, holding multiple leadership positions and contributing to key initiatives that support trial lawyers across the state. Reflecting on her new role, she emphasized the importance of collaboration and continued engagement within the organization: “We recognize and we know that keeping new lawyers engaged in VTLA is really the only way our association is going to survive and thrive in the future.”

Her presidency reflects not only her professional accomplishments but also her dedication to mentorship, advocacy, and advancing the legal profession.

Ray focuses her practice on medical malpractice and personal injury, representing patients and families – particularly children affected by serious injuries – with skill, compassion, and a strong record of results. Her work has earned widespread recognition within the legal community. Virginia Lawyers Weekly named her a 2024 Go-To Medical Malpractice Lawyer and previously honored her as part of the Class of 2023 Leaders in the Law. She was also selected to the publication’s 2021 Influential Women in Law list, which recognizes attorneys for excellence in their work, service to the profession, and commitment to their communities.