On September 13, 2013, the Supreme Court of Virginia established the Virginia Access to Justice Commission. The mission of the Commission, which is comprised of judges, lawyers, and others, is to promote equal access to justice in Virginia, with particular emphasis on the civil legal needs of Virginia residents.
The Commission is co-chaired by the Honorable S. Bernard Goodwyn, Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and John Whitfield, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Legal Services, Inc.
The formation of the Virginia Access to Justice Commission is consistent with Vision 3 of the current Strategic Plan for Virginia’s Judicial System, adopted in 2009, which states that Virginia’s courts will “maintain human dignity and provide effective access to justice for all persons.”
The establishment of the Virginia Access to Justice Commission ensures that an entity is actively coordinating and promoting access to justice efforts in the Commonwealth.
The goals of the Commission include coordinating access to justice activities among various groups, mobilizing legal professionals to provide legal services to low income individuals, encouraging the development of auxiliary resources for underserved populations, and making the courts more accessible for all citizens.
Contact Information
- Ellen BowyerOffice of the Executive Secretary804-786-6455
History
Utilizing an Access to Justice Commission Expansion Project Grant from the American Bar Association, the Supreme Court of Virginia convened an Access to Justice Planning Committee, chaired by Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn, in early 2013 to discuss access to justice needs in Virginia.
The Committee was charged with determining whether an access to justice commission was needed in Virginia and, if so, what direction such a commission should take. The Committee recommended to the Court the creation of the Virginia Access to Justice Commission.
In establishing the Commission, Virginia joined 28 other states with Access to Justice Commissions charged with expanding access to civil justice for low income and disadvantaged persons.
I NEED HELP
Court Self Help
The Virginia Judicial System Court Self-Help Website provides resources for those who wish to represent themselves in litigation. Here you’ll find tools as well as some answers to frequently asked questions about the legal system in Virginia.
Virginia Lawyer Referral Service
The Virginia Lawyer Referral Service connects individuals to lawyers in their communities for an initial half-hour consultation at the rate of $35.
Virginia Legal Aid Providers
Virginia is home to 10 legal aid societies that serve low-income families and individuals.
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VSB Access to Legal Services/Pro Bono
The VSB Pro Bono Section helps connect lawyers with service opportunities, while also providing resources for those in need.
Pro Bono CLE Library
The Virginia Law Foundation provides access to free online seminars with CLE credit for attorneys dedicated to filling the justice gap through pro bono representation.
Justice Server
This tool enables attorneys to easily volunteer their time for pro bono cases, and facilitates connections with clients in need.