Improving the Administration of Justice
VLF has povided the seed money for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs throughout the Commonwealth. Over the years, thousands of volunteers have assisted children who become subject to Juvenile Court judicial proceedings involving abuse or neglect.
In addition, VLF funds have reduced stress on the court system by promoting alternative dispute resolution, providing translator services, purchasing testing equipment and supplies for drug treatment court, and funding Lawyers Helping Lawyers. Offender aid and restoration programs and services for victims of domestic violence also receive significant VLF support.
Civil Legal Aid and Pro Bono Legal Services
The VLF has provided over $15 million to support projects that provide civil legal assistance and/or pro bono legal services to low-income Virginians. The Foundation has also funded studies related to pro bono services and the unmet need for legal services. Seed money provided by VLF has provided the critical initial funding for many innovative projects such as the Community Tax Law Project and the Legal Information Network for Cancer (LINC).
Education
The VLF supports education about the law at all levels and in many sectors—within the legal profession through Virginia CLE®, and in the community to consumers, educators, young adults, the elderly, visually handicapped, and others through educational videos, pamphlets, presentations, and workshops.
Public Service Internships
To encourage young lawyers toward careers in public service and to support universal access to legal representation, the VLF provides Public Service Internship stipends to selected students in each of Virginia’s accredited law schools, enabling them to work at law-related public service jobs during the summer.
Excellence in Service
To encourage and recognize excellence in the practice of law and public service, the VLF created the Fellows of the Virginia Law Foundation. Fellows selection is limited to 1% of the active and associate membership of the Virginia State Bar. Fellows provide mentoring services to newly licensed lawyers.
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