Programs

Barrister Book Buddies

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 Diane Higgs,  or register online to participate.

You and the Law

In 2010 the Roanoke Bar Association started You and the Law, a program designed to educate the public about the legal system in order to make citizens’ interaction with the system more efficient and less frustrating.  Now implemented by the Roanoke Law Foundation, You and the Law covers basic information relating to practices and procedures in the general district courts and the circuit courts, issues where there may be misunderstanding or a lack of understanding, and substantive information relating to specific areas of the law.  You and the Law does not provide legal services or legal advice concerning specific cases or issues in which citizens may be involved.  All You and the Law videos are available for viewing.

Peace of Mind Project

In 2014 the Roanoke Bar Association implemented the Peace of Mind Project, which provides free estate documents for first responders in Roanoke.  RBA members who specialize in estate planning volunteered to prepare basic wills, advanced medical directives, and powers of attorney for firefighters and police officers who put their lives on the line every day for the citizens in our community.  The 2014 Peace of Mind Project concentrated on firefighters with the Roanoke City Fire Department; in 2015 the project concentrated on police officers with the City.

Santa at the Station

The Roanoke Law Foundation and the Virginia Museum of Transportation  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 museum, and entertainment. 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.  Santa at the Station  is a truly magical evening – for the children, their parents, and Santa’s elves!

James N. Kincanon and Jane S. Glenn Scholarships

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 our scholarship page.