Business Details
48 Years
experience
Connecting Attorneys to Pro Bono Opportunities in Richmond
The Greater Richmond Bar Foundation (GRBF) has dedicated itself to expanding access to justice since 1978. We mobilize, train, and connect attorneys to pro bono clients, working alongside Legal Aid organizations, government agencies, and community partners to address unmet legal needs. Our programs, including the Triage Project and Pro Bono Clearinghouse, provide structured pathways for attorneys to engage in meaningful pro bono work. With a focus on equity and systemic change, we advocate for a legal system where outcomes depend on law and fairness, not financial means.Our team combines decades of legal expertise with innovative solutions like JusticeServer, a case management system streamlining pro bono referrals. Recognized for our leadership in Central Virginia, we maintain rigorous ethical standards while fostering collaboration among 80% of local law firms through our Firms In Service network. Through annual training, mentoring, and events, we empower attorneys to fulfill their professional obligation to serve underserved communities, ensuring our work remains both authoritative and trustworthy.
Services
Pro Bono Clearinghouse
Eviction Diversion Program
Wills Clinics
Legal Aid Support
Attorney Training
JusticeServer Referrals
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We provide structured pro bono programs in high-need legal areas like eviction diversion and wills clinics.
- Our Firms In Service network includes 80% of Richmond's private law firms committed to pro bono work.
- JusticeServer platform streamlines pro bono case management with innovative technology.
- We offer attorney training and mentoring to ensure effective pro bono service delivery.
- Decades of experience addressing Virginia's justice gap through targeted legal aid programs.
What people say
Life changing
Connected to legal community
Grateful for support
Positive impact
Easy and rewarding
Services
Pro Bono Clearinghouse
Connects Virginia nonprofits with volunteer attorneys for transactional legal matters. Our system matches organizations needing contract reviews, governance advice, or intellectual property guidance with qualified legal professionals. This service strengthens community organizations while providing meaningful pro bono opportunities for attorneys.
Eviction Diversion Program
Trains volunteers to mediate Richmond eviction cases as neutral conciliators. Participants help resolve landlord-tenant disputes through collaborative solutions, reducing court burdens and preventing homelessness. The program addresses systemic housing challenges while offering attorneys practical pro bono experience.
Wills Clinics
Organizes pro bono attorneys to assist low-income individuals with essential estate planning documents. Volunteers receive specialized training to efficiently create wills, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney. This service ensures vulnerable populations receive critical legal protections at no cost.
JusticeServer
Provides a digital platform connecting volunteer attorneys with active legal aid referrals. The system streamlines case assignment, document sharing, and progress tracking for participating organizations. This technology enhances pro bono efficiency while maintaining strict confidentiality standards for clients and attorneys.
Firms In Service
Engages Richmond's private law firms and corporate legal departments in pro bono initiatives. Participating firms receive recognition while contributing attorney hours and resources to community legal needs. The program fosters collaboration across 80% of local legal practices to expand access to justice.
People
Vera Thoms
Program & Administrative Manager
Manages GRBF's pro bono programs and administrative operations. With over 15 years in legal nonprofit administration, she ensures efficient delivery of volunteer services and organizational support.
Alexandra Clayton
Volunteer Engagement Manager
Coordinates attorney volunteer initiatives, connecting legal professionals with pro bono opportunities. Her expertise in community outreach has expanded GRBF's volunteer network by 40% since 2020.
Ami Kim
Executive Director
Leads GRBF's strategic vision and development efforts. A former legal aid attorney, she brings 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and access-to-justice initiatives across Virginia.
Questions
How do I volunteer with GRBF's pro bono programs?
Visit our website to explore current opportunities, access training resources, or contact our Volunteer Engagement Manager for personalized guidance.
What legal services does GRBF provide for nonprofits?
Our Pro Bono Clearinghouse offers transactional legal support including contract reviews, governance advice, and intellectual property guidance for Virginia nonprofits.
Can individuals receive direct legal assistance from GRBF?
We connect individuals to partner organizations like Virginia Legal Aid. Visit our Get Help page for qualifying resources and referrals.
How does the Eviction Diversion Program work?
Trained volunteers serve as neutral conciliators in Richmond eviction cases, helping tenants and landlords reach mutually beneficial agreements.
What technology tools support GRBF's pro bono initiatives?
JusticeServer, our proprietary case management system, streamlines attorney-client matching and referral tracking for legal aid organizations.
