Thursday, March 19, 2026
1:15pm to 2:15pm - Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room
Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members
Summary:
Despite Dante's sharp pen, he needed Virgil to guide him through the 9 circles of Hell. No matter how seasoned a quick-witted lawyer is with trial work, he may be entrapped by the perils of litigating the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia and the technical missteps that could harm or doom your appeal. Throughout this CLE, we will act as your Virgil and help you prepare for your journey through the spooky appellate underworld.
Presenters: W. Thomas Chappell, Woods Rogers, Sophie L. Arnold, Woods Rogers
W. Thomas Chappell
Thomas focuses his litigation practice on appeals, trusts and estates, community associations, and real estate. Thomas has significant trial experience and frequently appears in courtrooms throughout Hampton Roads. A former appellate law clerk for a justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Thomas regularly handles complex matters requiring advanced legal analysis, research, and writing.
Thomas represents clients statewide in appeals before the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Supreme Court of Virginia, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In addition to handling appeals arising from the firm’s trial matters, he also collaborates with trial counsel at other firms as appellate consultant or counsel.
Outside of work, most of Thomas's time is spent with his family doing things such as watching NASCAR races and going to the beach, the Norfolk Zoo, and William & Mary sporting events.
Experience
● 5800 HVB, LLC v. Harbour View Commerce Ass’n, Inc., Record No. 0625-23-1, 2024 Va. App.LEXIS 359 (Va. Ct. App., June 25, 2024) (successfully represented appellee community association).
● Episcopal Diocese of S. Va. v. Marshall, 81 Va. App. 255 (2024) (successfully represented appellants in complex appeal concerning ecclesiastical abstention).
● Cartograf USA, Inc. v. Comerica Bank, 85 Va. App. 1 (2025) (successfully represented an appellee in a judicial sale matter).
Sophie L. Arnold
Sophie's practice focuses on litigation and dispute resolution.
Prior to joining Woods Rogers, Sophie served as a law clerk to the Honorable Tasha D. Scott and the Honorable Everett A. Martin, Jr., in the Norfolk Circuit Court.
While attending the University of Richmond School of Law, Sophie was a copy editor for the Journal of Law and Technology, and received both the Law Faculty Award in Intellectual Property and a CALI Award of Excellence in Copyright Law and Trademark Law. She completed law school with a certificate in Intellectual Property.
During law school, Sophie was a member of the Intellectual Property Clinic, and she loved the topic and doing client facing work. Since completing her clerkship, Sophie has found that litigation is where she thrives, whether it be contract or tort claims, or the niche world of intellectual property.
Sophie grew up in central Florida in a small community and completed her undergraduate degree in Literature. She originally believed that she might pursue a career in education, as much of her family has, but decided to take the LSAT on a whim and went to law school instead. Once Sophie got to Virginia, she fell in love with the seasons and people, and decided to relocate here permanently with her husband.
Disclaimer
By registering for this Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) event or program you consent to being photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded at the event or program. By doing so, you grant to the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) rights to the release, publication or reproduction of any recorded media taken at the event or program of your appearance, voice or name for use by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association (NPBA) and its management team.
