At its organizational meeting in the Summer of 1998, the Board of the Roanoke Bar Association resolved to study and undertake a community service project during the upcoming bar year.  At subsequent Board meetings, a number of ideas were discussed and at the suggestion of one member, a representative of the Roanoke City Public Schools was approached.

The Board members learned of the importance of reading to obtaining good scores on Standards of Learning tests.  The Board also learned that those students who are not reading on grade level by the third grade are never likely to read on level.  Last, the Board learned of the Roanoke City Public Schools' implementation of a comprehensive reading plan to improve reading in all grades.

In the Spring of 1999, Barrister Book Buddies was born.  Initially implemented during summer school, the program continues today throughout the school year.  RBA members and staff volunteer to read one hour a month to an elementary school class.

By all reports - from teachers, students, and buddies - the Barrister Book Buddies program continues to be a successful community project.  The Roanoke Bar Association is proud to be an educational partner with the Roanoke City Public Schools.


Volunteers are welcome!  Please contact Cathy Caddy,  or register online to be a Buddy.


James N. Kincanon Scholarship

The Roanoke Law Foundation awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors or students attending a four-year college, university or law school. The students must demonstrate diligence in and commitment to their studies, academic excellence, and an interest in the pursuit of the study of law. Applicants must be residents of the City of Roanoke , the City of Salem , or the County of Roanoke , or have graduated from a high school located in those jurisdictions. For more information, call (540) 342-4905 or visit www.roanokebar.com/scholarship.html .

Wills for Heroes

In association with the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference and the Virginia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, the Roanoke Bar Association launched a new community service program to provide Roanoke Valley 's firefighters and police officers with free estate documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, and advanced medical directives. For information, contact Ric Scott at (540) 777-6907 or Elizabeth Perrow at (540) 343-2451.


Senior Citizen Law Day

The Roanoke Bar Association, Salem/Roanoke County Bar Association and League of Older Americans Area Agency on Aging co-sponsored a Senior Citizen Law Day in September.   A panel of attorneys with expertise in a variety of aging issues address those assembled and field questions.  The seminar is intended to inform senior citizens in the Roanoke Valley how to find and where to look for help in solving their problems. 


Santa in the Square

The Roanoke Law Foundation (formerly known as the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation) and the Science Museum of Western Virginia sponsor a holiday party for children and their parents who are living in shelters in our area during the holiday season.  The children enjoy a holiday feast, unlimited use of the Science Museum, entertainment, and a Planetarium show. They visit Santa's Workshop where they create holiday arts and crafts, and Santa's Sack where they select a small, special gift to wrap and give to their parents this holiday season.  It is a truly magical evening - for the children, their parents, and Santa's elves!