Virginia Access to Justice Commission

In 2013, the Supreme Court of Virginia established the Virginia Access to Justice Commission to ensure that an entity is actively coordinating and promoting access to justice efforts in the Commonwealth. The Commission focuses on the civil legal needs of Virginia residents, while continually assessing and being responsive to access to justice challenges. The formation of the Virginia Access to Justice Commission is consistent with Vision 3 of the current Strategic Plan for Virginia’s Judicial System, which states that Virginia’s courts will “maintain human dignity and provide effective access to justice for all persons.”

The Commission brings together judges, lawyers, representatives from legal aid and social services, as well as other stakeholders to promote equal access to justice in Virginia. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Justice Stephen McCullough, Supreme Court of Virginia, and John Whitfield, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Legal Services, Inc, the Commission coordinates access to justice activities among various groups, mobilizes legal professionals to provide legal services to low income individuals, encourages the development of auxiliary resources for underserved populations, and makes the courts more accessible for all citizens.