FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jennifer Oppenheimer, Director of Communications
434-951-0058, oppenheimer@vacle.org
RICHMOND, October 17, 2018. On Monday, the Virginia Law Foundation co-hosted the Annual Rule of Law Awards Program at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond. Michael W. Smith and the Honorable Jane Marum Roush were both recognized for their service to the legal community of the Commonwealth.
Irving M. Blank, Chairman of the Nuremberg Courtroom Exhibit Committee and past President of the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia Law Foundation, began the Rule of Law Awards Program by introducing the Honorable Jane Marum Roush. Roush received the Civility in the Law Award for her service as a judge for the Fairfax County Circuit Court, as a justice for the Virginia Supreme Court, and for her current work as a mediator for The McCammon Group.
“I always try to conduct myself in accordance with the highest ideals of the profession,” said Roush. “I feel deep personal and professional satisfaction as a mediator and I try to be courteous and civil as I help instill the Rule of Law.”
Next to be honored was Michael W. Smith, who was presented with the Rule of Law Award. A partner and chairman at Christian and Barton, LLP, Smith has served as president of the Bar Association of the City of Richmond, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the Virginia State Bar. Through his leadership, Smith has helped spread awareness of the Rule of Law.
After receiving the award, Smith warned against taking the Rule of Law for granted. “History tells us it can be attacked and that can result in disaster. This museum teaches what can happen,” said Smith. “Remain vigilant, remain patriots, and protect the Rule of Law every day.”
Preceding the awards program, Virginia CLE® held a continuing legal education seminar surveying the legal responses to war crimes, genocide, and human rights atrocities. The seminar reinforced the themes of the awards program, since just laws and accountability are essential aspects of the Rule of Law.
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The Virginia Law Foundation has provided over $25 million in grants to support projects throughout the Commonwealth that facilitate access to justice, promote an appreciation and understanding of the Rule of Law, and provide law-related education in support of these ideals. Our 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.
