In 2023, the Virginia Law Foundation awarded a grant to the Virginia State Bar’s Senior Lawyers Conference (SLC) and the Litigation Section to support a film project promoting optimal civility and professionalism in applying the Rule of Law in Virginia. This year, the VSB is set to release a two-hour version of this film, and you can now watch an inspiring trailer below.
“This marvelous film is perhaps the most important step yet toward helping all Virginia attorneys recognize that which the Virginia Law Foundation has championed for many years – namely, that inherent within the privilege of having a license to practice law is the responsibility to conduct oneself with unwavering professionalism and civility,” says Ray White, executive director of the Virginia Law Foundation.
Featuring interviews with judges in Virginia at all levels in the state and federal court system, respected lawyers, experienced mentors, and bar leaders, this film educates lawyers and deters them from engaging in conduct that demeans the practice of law, is detrimental to a spirit of congeniality, fosters incivility in appearances before the court, creates unnecessary stress in the successful practice of law, or detracts from the public’s respect for the law, legal process, and the legal profession.
Last year’s grant program distributed more than $700,000 to 32 projects and organizations, and the VLF joins the Virginia State Bar in celebrating the creation of this must-see film. “Our grant recipients share our commitment to promote the Rule of Law, access to justice, and law-related education,” says Colleen Marea Quinn, president of the VLF. “We deeply appreciate the spectacular work of the VSB’s Senior Lawyers Conference, their stewardship of the VLF’s grant funds, and their dedication to creating and producing this accessible and essential film.” A special message of congratulations and thanks to the following Virginia Law Foundation Fellows who took part in this project:
- Peter C. Burnett (Class of 2007)
- Jonathan P. Harmon (Class of 2017)
- Cynthia E. Hudson (Class of 2015)
- Chidi I. James (Class of 2023)
- Margaret A. Nelson (Class of 2010)
- Thomas E. Spahn (Class of 1998)
- W. Carter Younger (Class of 2024)
At this time, a one-hour version of this film is available on the VSB YouTube channel for non-commercial, educational purposes. While this version is not eligible for MCLE credit, a longer version of this film will be released this year on the VSB’s Go to Webinar platform and will be eligible for two-hours of MCLE Ethics credit.
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