The Virginia Law Foundation Podcast
Amplifying voices and values
that are shaping a more Just Virginia
Through biweekly episodes, JUST VIRGINIA brings you conversations with changemakers, legal leaders, and everyday advocates serving the Commonwealth and beyond.
From recent developments to community-driven solutions, this podcast spotlights initiatives expanding access to justice and championing the Rule of Law and explores relevant topics to educate attorneys and the community at-large. Whether you’re a legal professional or a civic-minded listener, this show delivers engaging stories and insights on how real people—people like you—are working to create a more JUST VIRGINIA.
Episode 5: Dr. Kelly Crace — Flourishing through Chronic Too-Muchness
On the eve of Well-Being in Law Week, it may surprise you to hear our next guest, psychologist Dr. Kelly Crace, holds that striving for work-life balance is counterproductive! The executive director of the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia goes beyond platitudes with Vice President of Marketing, Development, and Philanthropy Katie Arata for a thoughtful look at flourishing through chronic too-muchness. Kelly’s fascinating research reframes stress as a function of caring and shows us that values trump fear every time.
Beyond the Episode — Links and More
- Get to know Dr. Kelly Crace.
- Explore complimentary resources on contemplation, mindfulness, yoga, and general well-being available through the Contemplative Sciences Center.
- Define wellness in your own terms by attending the Wellness Institute on May 4 at The Barns at Wolf Trap.
Episode 4: Ethics Authority Tom Spahn
In this episode, we explore the changing landscape of lawyers’ professional independence and the ethical implications of evolving business structures in the legal profession. Our guest is Tom Spahn of McGuireWoods, a nationally recognized authority on legal ethics and attorney‑client privilege. A Class of 1998 Fellow, Tom has long helped the Virginia Law Foundation uphold the legal education pillar of our mission, serving as both a Virginia CLE faculty member and a prolific author of our publications.
Beyond the Episode — Links and More
Get to know our distinguished guest, Tom Spahn.
Join us in Charlottesville (or virtually) May 27 for Tom’s Virginia CLE seminar, Ethical Marketing for the Modern Lawyer.
Be like Tom, and teach for Virginia CLE! Submit a program proposal at this link.
Episode 3: Tom Dunlap — Artificial Intelligence
Thomas Dunlap’s fascinating path to the law winds through acting and banking in New York, serving as a Recon Scout in the U.S. Army, earning an MBA and a masters in biotech, and starting a nanosciences company. The founding partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig (a podcaster himself) joins Senior Director of Seminars John Rotman to discuss one of the hottest topics in the field of law: the black swan event that is AI.
Beyond the Episode — Links and More
Learn more about Tom’s work with Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig.
Check out Tom’s show, the Black Letter Podcast.
Want more on AI? Join us for Tom’s seminar The Essential Guide to AI in the Law Firm with Virginia CLE, April 8.
Episode 2: Christie Marra
Christie Marra, director of housing advocacy at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, has devoted her whole career to making a more just Virginia. (In fact, she was recently inducted as a 2026 Virginia Law Foundation Fellow to celebrate those efforts!) Christie joins VP of CLE Karl Doss to share how her work in legal aid led her to statewide housing advocacy and explain why housing stability is central to access to justice.
Beyond the Episode — Links and More
- Get to know Christie and other members of the Virginia Law Foundation’s Class of 2026 Fellows.
- Mark your calendar for the Virginia Poverty Law Center’s Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference, October 14 – 16, 2026, in Norfolk.
- See how grants from the Virginia Law Foundation are supporting the VPLC and other service organizations across the state.
Episode 1: Stephen E. Noona
Stephen E. Noona, chair of litigation at Kaufman & Canoles, joins CEO Alison Martin for the inaugural episode of Just Virginia. The double Hoo from Tidewater credits his father with instilling in him the value of giving back (and his four sisters with honing his early argument and persuasive skills!). Steve’s passion for the VLF’s community and philanthropic work hasn’t abated since he completed his term as president, which makes him the perfect guest to kick off the pod!
Beyond the Episode — Links and More
Meet our guest, Stephen E. Noona.
Learn how VLF grants impacted the lives of more than half a million Virginians last year.
Know a worthy legal-oriented nonprofit? There’s still a week left to apply for a 2026 grant from the VLF!
Please note: The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
