Subcommittees
We extend an open invitation to not only join the section but also to consider how you may serve the profession by getting involved with the sub-committees within the Family Law Section. A brief description of each committee follows.
ADR Committee
Because alternative dispute resolution is a growing trend in family law the Section monitors and promotes innovations apart from litigation in solving family legal matters which include but are not limited to mediation, negotiation, arbitration and even such recent innovations such as Collaborative Law.
Lifetime Achievement Award Committee
Each year the Family Law Section Board of Governors solicits nominations for this highly esteemed award and makes considered appointments to highlight the efforts and careers of excellent family law lawyers.
Booklet Committee
This committee produces materials to educate the public as well as family law attorneys with thorough research developed into well written and easily understandable booklets. Last year the committee produced Financial Consequences of Divorce in conjunction with a grant from the Virginia Law Foundation. Currently the committee is considering producing an ADR booklet. These booklets and all the Section publications will be available on this website in PDF format.
CLE Committee
This committee works hard all year round to produce quality continuing legal education seminars around the Commonwealth. The Family Law CLEs sponsored around the state are some of the most well attended, and often attract high profile speakers and cases of keen interest to family law attorneys.
Current Family Law Issues Committee
From time to time the Bar asks the Board of Governors to comment on new rules and amendments being considered for adoption. This committee serves as the point for these requests and leads the discussion on such matters when appropriate.
Children’s Issues Committee
This committee focuses on educating our family law colleagues on new and current guidelines in relation to the representation and protection of children.
Law School Committee
Several years ago the Board established a Legal Research Guild that encourages law students from schools in Virginia to participate in and serve the Bar while in law school via research support for article authors and various committee work. This committee solicits those students and coordinates those research projects. This committee also coordinates the Annual Family Law Award for the Outstanding Graduate at each of the seven Virginia Law Schools.
Legislative Update Committee
This committee keeps the Board informed on upcoming legislation of interest to family law practitioners.
Nominations Committee
Each year new members of the Board are solicited and selected from regions around the state. This committee seeks the best and brightest family law attorneys and judges in Virginia as applicants, and interviews accordingly to fill Board vacancies when appropriate.
Publications Committee
The Section Newsletter is one of our most widely read and well known tools and is produced every quarter by this committee which solicits, compiles and edits good and useful articles to compose an excellent newsletter for practical and informative instruction, guidance and insight for our section members.
Website Committee
This committee researched, planned, established and also routinely updates the Section website. The mere fact that you are now reading this indicates our high degree of satisfaction.
Membership Committee
Desiring to continue to build the Family Law Section toward growth as a viable and important part of the Virginia State Bar, this committee puts together and carries out membership campaigns to attract family law attorneys toward section membership and participation throughout the state.
Administration of Family Law Cases Committee
Working with local family law bars, this committee looks toward exchanging and disseminating information about local practices throughout the Commonwealth to assist in building the quality of professionalism and public service in family law representation and practice.