EPISODE · May 28, 2026 · 1H 1M
Chidi James & Crista Gantz: VSB EGAD VA Report
from Just Virginia · host Virginia Law Foundation
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 Chidi James and Crista Gantz*. EGAD Report https://vsb.org/Site/Site/news/news-items/20251202-EGAD-report.aspx Know an outstanding colleague? Nominate them 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.
What this episode covers
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 Chidi James and Crista Gantz*. EGAD Report https://vsb.org/Site/Site/news/news-items/20251202-EGAD-report.aspx Know an outstanding colleague? Nominate them 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.
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Chidi James & Crista Gantz: VSB EGAD VA Report
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