As you all know, advocacy and legislative reform are among our critical VBA functions. The VBA's strategic plan, developed in 2011, has as one of our primary goals that "The Virginia Bar Association will be the preeminent leader in the Commonwealth of Virginia for law reform and preservation of access to justice." The just completed session of the Virginia General Assembly shows that we're meeting that goal and then some!

Whether it's our advocacy and support for the funding and filling of judicial vacancies, advocacy for legal aid funding for those less fortunate, support for the payee notification bill, or support for changes to the writs of actual innocence statute, what all of you help us do here at the VBA truly does matter. See how our legislative agenda progressed during the 2013 General Assembly session and the results. Members of  VBA sections receive a summary of law changes to help in your practice. Join now to ensure your copy.

Thanks to all of you who were involved at the Section, Division, and affiliated organization level for helping develop, support and carry out our ambitious legislative agenda this year. Special thanks also to our outstanding Reed Smith legislative team, led by Jay Spruill and including Lane Kneedler, Edward Mullen, Bill Thomas, and Georgia Reynard! Through their tireless and dedicated efforts, they have represented the VBA's interests extremely well and have helped us achieve unprecedented credibility in the General Assembly.

Have a great weekend!

Tom