Rule of Law Program

Volunteer Attorneys Needed to Teach Local Classes

Training:	Curriculum is available at www.ruleoflaw-vba.org
Schedule:	See the class schedules at http://www.roanokebar.com/events/RuleOfLawSchedule.pdf
Information:	Contact Mike Pace at 983-9312 or mike_pace@gentrylocke.com
To Register :	Call Sharon Thompson at 983-9378

Now that the kick-off date for the VBA Rule of Law Project is behind us, I wanted to share the project's progress thus far. On October 14, 25 volunteer lawyers and judges were in 50 of the 100 civics classrooms in Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Salem. We have received commitments from several of you to fill the remaining classes during November.

Above is a link to a list of the schools and classes in Roanoke City and Roanoke County that are still in need of a volunteer. If you are interested in teaching the rule of law to one or more classes, all you need to do is contact the teacher by e-mail (you will find the teacher's address on the spreadsheet) and work out a convenient date. Please let us know which classes you will teach so we can keep track of and cover any unclaimed classes. Our website www.ruleoflaw-vba.org will provide you with information about the project as well as materials needed to assist you in planning your session. Please also work with your teacher to make sure one of you is able to download the “The Law Rules” video beforehand (located on the Home page of the website) to show to the classroom.

We have received many positive reactions to the project from lawyers, educators and students. One educator wrote, "We are fortunate to have the support of strong community leaders who recognize the importance of giving time and support to public schools. ... Now, more than ever, we must prepare our students to be responsible, civic-minded adults." A student from one middle school wrote his volunteer lawyer that "The rule of law is something that everyone needs to understand. The legal system is important to our community and without it our nation would be in ruins." This project is clearly having a positive impact on students, teachers and us.

Approximately 40 school divisions and bar associations throughout Virginia have been invited to participate in the project, many of which are currently planning on classroom activities this fall and winter.

I want to personally thank you for your interest in the VBA Rule of Law Project and welcome your comments about your experiences and the website resources. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.

Best wishes,
Mike

G. Michael Pace, Jr., Esq. (Mike)
Law Coordinator for the VBA Rule of Law Project
Immediate Past President, The Virginia Bar Association
Managing Partner, Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, LLP
10 Franklin Road, SE
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
Direct Phone No: (540) 983-9312
Fax: (540) 983-9400
E-Mail: mike_pace@gentrylocke.com