On behalf of the West Virginia Bar Foundation, Inc., I invite every member of the West Virginia State Bar to become a member of the Foundation.

The Foundation's mission is to support and enhance the legal profession in West Virginia. In its years of operation, the Bar Foundation has been successful in several endeavors, including:

1) The State Bar Center

The Bar Foundation is the owner of the State Bar Center and leases office space to the State Bar. This beautiful facility, just three houses from the State Capitol, enables State Bar members to have an office away from home. At the State Bar Center, you can have meetings with clients, take depositions, make copies, send a fax, use the telephone or enjoy a cup of coffee. There is even parking available for State Bar members only.

2) IOLTA Program

The Bar Foundation receives and administers the funds derived from the IOLTA accounts which State Bar members have established. Since the inception of this outstanding program in 1989, more than 13 million dollars have been generated. These funds are utilized to provide free civil legal services for our low income citizens.

3) Citizens and Lawyer of the Year

For the past 10 years, the Bar Foundation has named a Citizen of the Year and a Lawyer of the Year awards. These individuals have demonstrated leadership and service to the citizens of their communities and to the state.

4) Foundation Fellows Program

In 1999, the Bar Foundation initiated a Fellows Program to honor those lawyers and members of the judiciary whose professional, public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the welfare of their communities and honorable service to the legal profession with the individuals selected reflecting the diverse nature of the legal profession in West Virginia. Approximately 130 judges and attorneys have been selected as Foundation Fellows.

5) Grants Program

The Bar Foundation provides grants to worthwhile West Virginia groups and organizations that work to improve the administration of justice and the provision of legal services for our state's citizens. These grants have been provided to entities around the state who are involved in such activities as child abuse and neglect prevention, mock trials for students, the provision of medical powers of attorneys and living wills, student leadership and civic education involving Constitution Day events.

As a voluntary organization, every member of the State Bar has the opportunity to become a member of the Bar Foundation. The annual dues are only $50 or you may become a lifetime member for just $500. Please use the application form - http://www.wvbar.org/barinfo/BarFdtn/membershipform.htm and become a West Virginia Bar Foundation Member today.

The West Virginia Bar Foundation is a statewide organization benefitting the bar. We look forward to having you as a member.

Very Truly Yours,

Cheryl Riley
President