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Through biweekly episodes, JUST VIRGINIA brings you conversations with changemakers, legal leaders, and everyday advocates serving the Commonwealth and beyond. From recent developments to community-driven solutions, this podcast spotlights initiatives...
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Through biweekly episodes, JUST VIRGINIA brings you conversations with changemakers, legal leaders, and everyday advocates serving the Commonwealth and beyond.
From recent developments to community-driven solutions, this podcast spotlights initiatives expanding access to justice and championing the Rule of Law and explores relevant topics to educate attorneys and the community at-large. Whether you're a legal professional or a civic-minded listener, this show delivers engaging stories and insights on how real people—people like you—are working to create a more JUST VIRGINIA.
show less
From recent developments to community-driven solutions, this podcast spotlights initiatives expanding access to justice and championing the Rule of Law and explores relevant topics to educate attorneys and the community at-large. Whether you're a legal professional or a civic-minded listener, this show delivers engaging stories and insights on how real people—people like you—are working to create a more JUST VIRGINIA.
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
1 OCT 2026 · K. Denise Rucker Krepp, recipient of the Virginia State Bar Military and Veterans Law Section’s 2026 Pro Bono Award, shares her journey of service and advocacy for military members, veterans, and survivors of sexual assault. She and host Karl Doss, VP of CLE, discuss the legal challenges survivors face, the importance of accountability and transparency, and how attorneys can use their time and expertise to provide meaningful pro bono support.
Denise also offers practical insights on building trust with survivors, overcoming fear, and the ways non-attorneys can make a difference by using their voices and supporting their communities. Her message is simple: pair your passion with pro bono service, help someone else, and encourage them to pass that support forward.
Beyond the Episode — Links and More
- Get to know https://vsb.org/Site/Site/news/news-items/20260618-ml-pro-bono-award.aspx.
- Inspired at the idea of helping others? Take the https://probonovirginia.org/ and get connected at https://probonovirginia.org/.
- Enroll in the free Pro Bono Academy the VLF and Virginia CLE are helping facilitate. The 4-class https://app.joinpaladin.com/!/virginia-state-bar/opportunities/pbv-academy-on-housing-law?utm_source=social&utm_medium=detail-share-link&utm_content=private starts October 28, with academies on adult guardianship and protective orders coming in 2027.
- Learn about two https://virginialawfoundation.org/grants/2026grants/ offering access to justice services to survivors of human trafficking: Survivor Ventures and Freekind. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
17 SEP 2026 · - How can law firms build thriving workplaces across generations while navigating rapid technological change? Sophie Curdts Mohrmann has ideas about it and joins host and CEO Alison Martin for a lively discussion. As director of attorney development and engagement at Williams Mullen, Sophie has been called “the sociologist for the law firm,” studying groups and thinking about how they can better connect.
This episode explores hybrid work, intergenerational friction, how intentional professional development can strengthen connection, learning, and retention within law firms…and, of course, AI. Sophie and Alison talk about the impact of AI on legal careers (and psyches), the importance of human judgment and emotional intelligence, and how law firms can intentionally prepare for the future. Sophie’s top advice? Listen across generations with curiosity instead of assumptions.
Beyond the Episode — Links and More
- Get to know https://www.williamsmullen.com/people/sophie-curdts-mohrmann.
- Two articles Sophie recommends: https://www.inc.com/michelle-silverthorn/its-time-to-change-narrative-around-gen-z-employees.html https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/legal/designing-lawyers-professional-growth/
- Catch an on-demand CLE featuring Sophie and fellow panelists discussing how law firms are reshaping workplace culture to promote healthier, more sustainable careers: https://www.vacle.org/product/designing-a-work-culture-that-supports-attorneys-from-the-wellness-institute-2026-od/ from The Wellness Institute 2026. MCLE Credit: 1.0 (Well-Being: 1.0)
- Brush up on emotional intelligence (ever more important in an AI-boosted world). Join us September 28 for https://www.vacle.org/product/beyond-iq-emotional-intelligence-skills-to-enhance-your-family-practice-9-28-2026/, a webcast with live Q&A. MCLE Credit: 2.0 (Ethics: 1.0; Well-Being: 2.0) The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
3 SEP 2026 · “Being first is hard. Making sure you’re not the last…That’s leadership,” remarked keynote speaker Eva DeVirgilis at last year’s Women and the Law Institute. Our next guests, Colleen Quinn and Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, chaired that exciting inaugural institute and join us today to continue the conversation about women in the legal profession.
Both attorneys are passionate changemakers in the field as well as entrepreneurs—Colleen is the founder of the Quinn Law Centers, and Claire is founder of ChangeServant, PLC. They bring their unique perspectives to topics including mentorship, work-life balance, and the challenges women continue to face in advancing their careers. (Not to mention how AI and value-based billing could reshape the practice of law into a more flexible, sustainable profession!)
Beyond the Episode
- Get to know https://www.quinnlawcenters.com/team/the-attorneys/colleen-m-quinn and https://www.changeservant.com/#..
- Continue the exploration at https://www.vacle.org/product/constitutional-law-institute-2026/, September 25, featuring the session: Gender Equality in Virginia: The Constitution, Equal Protection, and the Courts with Jamie Abrams, Llezelle Agustin Dugger, Hon. Jane Marum Roush (Ret.), and Prof. Henry L. Chambers, Jr.
- Did you miss Colleen and Claire at the Women and the Law Institute? https://www.vacle.org/product/women-and-the-law-institute-2025-od/ · Inspired by all the talk about mentorship?
- Check out Episode 8, The Richness of Mentorship with the Hon. Tyneka L.D. Flythe. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
20 AUG 2026 · In this episode of Just Virginia, host and VP of CLE Karl Doss speaks with Jeannie Franklin, mediator, conflict management professional, and recipient of the 2025 Civility in the Law Award from the Virginia Law Foundation.
Drawing from decades of legal practice and her work in dispute resolution through Franklin Solutions, Jeannie explores why civility is not weakness or superficial politeness but a disciplined, powerful tool essential to justice, professionalism, and democracy itself.
From courtroom advocacy to high school classrooms, Jeannie shares how civility strengthens legal outcomes, builds public trust, reduces the pain of conflict, and fosters hope for the next generation.
Beyond the Episode — Links and More
- Get to know https://www.franklinsolutions.net/our-practice.
- Watch Jeanne’s video recommendation: the VSB Senior Section’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6os5bMt22Gs.
- Join us for the presentation of the 2026 Civility in Law Award to John B. McCammon at the Rule of Law Event, October 8 at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. https://virginialawfoundation.org/ruleoflawevent/. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
6 AUG 2026 · In this episode of Just Virginia, Court of Appeals of Virginia Judge Daniel Ortiz shares the personal journey that led him from UVA, Capitol Hill, and commercial litigation to the bench, along with the experiences that deepened his commitment to public service and access to justice. Judge Ortiz also offers a thoughtful look at recent developments from the Supreme Court of Virginia, including leadership changes, closely watched split decisions, trade secrets litigation, sovereign immunity, and appellate trends. Join CEO Alison Martin and our distinguished guest for a wide-ranging conversation about fairness, judgment, and the role lawyers and courts play in sustaining confidence in the Rule of Law.
Beyond the Episode
- Get to know the Hon. Daniel E. Ortiz.*
- Join Judge Ortiz for CLE August 26 in Charlottesville or via webcast.
https://www.vacle.org/product/whats-new-at-the-virginia-supreme-court-8-26-2026/
- Want to learn more about the https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/cav/home? You can even livestream the oral arguments.
* Hon. Daniel E. Ortiz, Court of Appeals of Virginia, Richmond
Hon. Daniel E. Ortiz completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia and received his law degree from the George Washington University Law School. He began his legal career at the Fairfax County Circuit Court, clerking for the Honorable M. Langhorne Keith. At the conclusion of his clerkship, Judge Ortiz joined Blankingship & Keith, P.C., where he became a shareholder and principal at the firm. Judge Ortiz was appointed to serve an eight-year term as a circuit court judge that began on January 1, 2015. In August 2021, Judge Ortiz was appointed to serve on the Court of Appeals of Virginia.
Judge Ortiz was a member of the Board of Directors of the Fairfax Bar Association and the Board of Governors of The Virginia Bar Association and was selected by his peers to chair both the Young Lawyers Section of the Fairfax Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Division of the VBA. He previously served as a Substitute Judge in the General District Court and Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court for five years in Fairfax County. Recently, Judge Ortiz was selected to serve on the Virginia Access to Justice Commission. He is a member of the faculty of the Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course. Judge Ortiz is also a former board member and president of Legal Services of Northern Virginia. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
23 JUL 2026 · What makes the Virginia State Bar a CAN-DO organization? Values that start with creativity and span to service to others and, of course, committed leadership. On today’s episode, Brett Marston, 87th President of the VSB and Managing Partner at Gentry Locke, and Cameron Rountree, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the VSB, discuss the bar’s mission and work with VP of CLE Karl Doss.
Join us for an inside look at how the VSB balances public protection, professional accountability, ethical guidance, access to legal services, and long-term planning for the future of the Commonwealth’s legal profession. You’ll leave affirmed in the knowledge that Virginia lawyers make a difference!
Beyond the Episode
- Get to know the https://www.gentrylocke.com/marston/ and https://vsb.org/Site/Site/news/news-items/20220909-vsb-news.aspx.
- Learn more about the https://vsb.org/Site/Site/news/news-items/20260123-pro-bono-portal.aspx (and stay tuned for more details on how the VLF is getting involved!)
- Doing pro bono work? Virginia CLE offers free On Demand Seminars in our https://www.vacle.org/probono/.
- Read the https://vsb.org/common/Uploaded%20files/docs/EGAD-Combined-Report-Dec-2025.pdf. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
9 JUL 2026 · In this episode of Just Virginia, CEO Alison Martin welcomes recently retired Judge Penney S. Azcarate, whose 18 years on the bench culminated in her service as chief judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Chief Judge Azcarate reflects on the experiences that shaped her path—from her service as a U.S. Marine Corps officer during Operation Desert Storm to her transition into law, trial practice, and judicial leadership.
Their warm and wide-ranging conversation explores public trust in the judiciary, representation on the bench, the growing role of specialty dockets and recovery court, even wellness and triathlons! Join us as this extraordinary thought leader and mentor shares lessons from a distinguished career.
Beyond the Episode
- Get to know the Hon. Penney S. Azcarate.*
- Read the Virginia State Legislature’s mailto:https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SJ90/text/SJ90ER Commending the Honorable Penney S. Azcarate.
- Join Chief Judge Azcarate, the Honorable Mary Grace O’Brien, Court of Appeals of Virginia, and Bryan L. Porter for CLE August 6 in Charlottesville or via webcast. https://www.vacle.org/product/litigating-high-profile-cases-8-6-2026/ for Litigating High-Profile Cases.
- Feeling inspired by the Chief Judge's wellness routine? Check out https://www.usatriathlon.org/training-tips/how-do-i-get-started-in-triathlon guide.
* Chief Judge Penny S. Azcarate retired in July 2026 after serving as Chief Judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court, becoming the first woman to hold that role. Over the course of 18 years on the bench, she served at both the circuit court and general district court levels.
During her tenure, Judge Azcarate established the Fairfax County Drug Court in 2018 and launched the Veteran Treatment Docket in 2015, the first stand-alone docket of its kind in Virginia, providing critical support to combat veterans facing mental health and substance abuse challenges. She also led efforts to expand access to justice, strengthen interpreter services, promote racial equity initiatives, and develop community outreach programs.
Judge Azcarate held key leadership roles within the judiciary, serving as Chair of both the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Veteran Specialty Docket Council and its Judicial Administration Committee. Her contributions have been widely recognized: she was named a Leader in the Law (2017) and an Influential Woman in Law (2022) by Virginia Lawyers Weekly, received the President’s Award from the Fairfax Bar Association in 2020, and was honored with Old Dominion University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022.
A graduate of Old Dominion University, where she earned a degree in Criminal Justice on a military scholarship, Judge Azcarate was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps and served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. Following her military service, she earned her J.D. from George Mason University School of Law.
Before joining the bench, Judge Azcarate practiced in Fairfax County as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and civil litigator. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
25 JUN 2026 · Joining the pod today are two leaders whose mission-driven collaborations help keep Virginia at the forefront of the nation’s legal well-being movement: Hetal Challa, Wellness Coordinator for the Supreme Court's Virginia Lawyers Wellness Initiative, and Tim Carroll, Executive Director of the Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.
Tune in for a heartening discussion about their work educating legal professionals: they’ve been thrilled to see the stigma go down—Tim no longer has to feign talking about ‘Alaskan vacations’ with folks anymore— and the growth mindset take hold, especially among young attorneys!
Beyond the Episode
- Get to know Tim Carroll and Hetal Challa.*
- Watch Hetal Challa’s panel discussion from our 2026 Wellness Institute: https://www.vacle.org/product/confronting-the-inner-critic-managing-imposter-syndrome-to-thrive-in-the-legal-community-from-the-wellness-institute-2026/
- https://vjlap.org/resources/ at VJLAP.
*Tim Carroll is the Executive Director of Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. He grew up in Henrico County and left after high school to join the United States Air Force. After 28 years of service and numerous assignments around the world, he retired in Anchorage, Alaska, where he became the Chief Executive Officer of a fisheries-related business.
In 2014, he returned to Virginia and assumed his current role in 2015. Mr. Carroll has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Alaska and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Hetal Challa is the Wellness Coordinator for the Supreme Court of Virginia, Office of the Executive Secretary. Prior to working for the Court, Hetal was an attorney and mediator, focusing on guardian ad litem, and family law issues in the Hampton Roads area. In addition to her background in law and mediation, she has a degree in psychology with five years of clinical experience, counseling adults, adolescents, and children in an outpatient treatment center, suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. Hetal uses her diverse background to focus on education and outreach for attorneys, law students, and the judiciary. She currently sits on the Executive Board of the Virginia Bar Association, Young Lawyer's Division, and is Chair of the Lawyer Wellness Committee. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
11 JUN 2026 · In an episode with as much warmth and shared wisdom as an actual mentorship session, the Honorable Tyneka L.D. Flythe and CEO Alison Martin explore how mentorship can promote wellness. Join them for an uplifting conversation on the importance of human connection in our age of algorithms, taking care of things “outside the briefcase,” and the generosity of a profession whose members are always pouring into others.
Judge Flythe’s advice for lawyers new and seasoned alike? Collect mentors. (Her earliest drove a pink sports car with custom plates and didn’t even know she was mentoring at the time!)
Beyond the Episode
- Watch Justice Mims’ https://www.vacle.org/product/shalom-how-wholeness-leads-to-wellness-from-the-wellness-institute-2026-od/ from the Wellness Institute in May.
- Sign up to receive https://vjlap.org/resources/lighthouse/, VJLAP’s periodic newsletter, and browse other wellness resources.
- Check out the https://www.vacle.org/product/women-and-the-law-institute-2025-od/ on demand for more discussions on mentorship.
- Get to know Honorable Tyneka Flythe.
Judge Tyneka Flythe was appointed to the Newport News Circuit Court on April 1, 2021. She previously served as a judge for the Newport News General District Court from July 1, 2015, until March 31, 2021. Judge Flythe also serves as an adjunct professor at William and Mary Law School. Before her appointment as judge, she served her community as a Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney in the Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
Before her legal career began, Judge Flythe worked as teacher and counselor for at-risk and special needs youth in the public and private sector. She earned her undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary and studied law at the University of Richmond School of Law. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
28 MAY 2026 · The podcast welcomes two distinguished guests this week as Vice President of CLE Karl Doss hosts an engaging forum on EGAD VA -- the Virginia State Bar’s 2025 report on “Entry, Growth, and Distribution of Virginia Attorneys.” Joining us are former VSB President Chidi James, partner at Blankingship and Keith in Fairfax (and new VLF Fellow and Board member!), and Crista Gantz, Director of Access to Legal Services for the VSB. Both served on the EGAD Committee and ably explore with us the Commonwealth’s critical legal-desert problem, counter myths around the Virginia bar exam, and illuminate other findings of this landmark report.
Beyond the Episode
- Get to know https://www.blankingshipandkeith.com/attorneys/chidi-i-james and Crista Gantz*.
- EGAD Report
https://vsb.org/Site/Site/news/news-items/20251202-EGAD-report.aspx
- Know an outstanding colleague? https://virginialawfoundation.org/fellows/nominate-a-fellow/ for the VLF Fellows Class of 2027 by June 15!
https://virginialawfoundation.org/fellows/nominate-a-fellow/
* Virginia State Bar's Access to Legal Services Director Crista Gantz develops, promotes, and coordinates the VSB’s pro bono and access to justice initiatives. She oversees the VSB Standing Committee on Access to Legal Services, a statewide access group focused on encouraging participation in pro bono and addressing issues concerning legal representation of individuals who cannot afford counsel or are otherwise underserved. She also staffs the bar’s EGAD VA Study Committee and serves as the state administrator for Virginia Free Legal Answers.
Cris serves on the Virginia Access to Justice Commission, the VBA Pro Bono Council, and the GRBF Board of Directors. Prior to joining the VSB she worked as the client services attorney for the Richmond-based nonprofit CancerLINC where she managed the organization’s pro bono and legal services programs and supported the Medical Legal Partnership at VCU's Massey Cancer Center. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Through biweekly episodes, JUST VIRGINIA brings you conversations with changemakers, legal leaders, and everyday advocates serving the Commonwealth and beyond. From recent developments to community-driven solutions, this podcast spotlights initiatives...
show more
Through biweekly episodes, JUST VIRGINIA brings you conversations with changemakers, legal leaders, and everyday advocates serving the Commonwealth and beyond.
From recent developments to community-driven solutions, this podcast spotlights initiatives expanding access to justice and championing the Rule of Law and explores relevant topics to educate attorneys and the community at-large. Whether you're a legal professional or a civic-minded listener, this show delivers engaging stories and insights on how real people—people like you—are working to create a more JUST VIRGINIA.
show less
From recent developments to community-driven solutions, this podcast spotlights initiatives expanding access to justice and championing the Rule of Law and explores relevant topics to educate attorneys and the community at-large. Whether you're a legal professional or a civic-minded listener, this show delivers engaging stories and insights on how real people—people like you—are working to create a more JUST VIRGINIA.
Information
| Author | Virginia Law Foundation |
| Organization | Virginia Law Foundation |
| Categories | Education , Society & Culture |
| Website | - |
| podcast@vacle.org |
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