RICHMOND, VA — MAY 5, 2022 — The Virginia Access to Justice Commission announces the launch of its new website at www.vaatj.org. The Commission, which is dedicated to coordinating and promoting access to justice efforts in the Commonwealth of Virginia, will use the new site to help reach the public, the legal community, and all stakeholders in working toward a more equitable justice system. This website will promote and publicize the Commission’s work, and highlight issues and resources related to Access to Justice in the Commonwealth.
“This website will be an invaluable tool in promoting access to justice for all Virginians,” said the Hon. Bernard Goodwyn, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia and co-chair of the Commission. “The site will serve as a connector – not just for those in need of legal services, but for those who seek to help close the justice gap.”
The Virginia Access to Justice Commission was established by the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2013 to make the courts more accessible for all citizens. The new site was launched in partnership with the Virginia Law Foundation.
###
About the Virginia Access to Justice Commission
The Supreme Court of Virginia established by order 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 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. 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.
About the Virginia Law Foundation
The Virginia Law Foundation has provided more than $27 million in grants since its inception to support law-related projects throughout the Commonwealth that further its mission to facilitate access to justice and promote an understanding of the Rule of Law. The VLF Fellows Program encourages civic-mindedness and recognizes excellence in the practice of law and public and professional service. Virginia CLE® is conducted through the Foundation’s Education Division and is the recognized leader in providing continuing legal education for Virginia lawyers. For more information, please visit www.virginialawfoundation.org.
