Just Virginia

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: Confronting the Inner Critic: Managing Imposter Syndrome to Thrive in the Legal Community Explore 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.

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’ keynote CLE from the Wellness Institute in May. Sign up to receive The Lighthouse, VJLAP’s periodic newsletter, and browse other wellness resources. Check out the Women and the Law Institute 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.

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.

Trevor S. Cox joins CEO Alison Martin for a delightful conversation about public service, appellate advocacy, and the pleasure of hard-copy books. Growing up in history-steeped Lexington, this Hunton litigator once considered becoming a historian until his senior thesis at Harvard—on Lincoln’s first attorney general—enticed him toward the law. He would go on to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court (surprisingly a surreally intimate space!) and serve as former Acting Solicitor General of Virginia.Beyond the Episode Get to know Trevor Cox...and his memorable case before the U.S. Supreme Court: Collins vs. Commonwealth of Virginia, 584 U.S. ___ 2018 Inducted as a new VLF Fellow in 2026, Trevor serves as chair of Virginia CLE’s Publications subcommittee. Do you have the latest 2026 titles from Virginia CLE Publications? Virginia history buffs, have we got the event for you this September! The Constitutional Law Institute at George Washington's Mount Vernon. 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.

On the eve of Well-Being in Law Week, it may surprise you to hear our next guest, psychologist Dr. Kelly Crace, holds that striving for work-life balance is counterproductive! The executive director of the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia goes beyond platitudes with Vice President of Marketing, Development, and Philanthropy Katie Arata for a thoughtful look at flourishing through chronic too-muchness. Kelly’s fascinating research reframes stress as a function of caring and shows us that values trump fear every time.  Beyond the Episode: Links and More  Get to know Dr. Kelly Crace Explore complimentary resources on contemplation, mindfulness, yoga, and general well-being available through the Contemplative Sciences Center Define wellness in your own terms by attending the Wellness Institute on May 4 at The Barns at Wolf TrapThe 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.

In this episode, we explore the changing landscape of lawyers’ professional independence and the ethical implications of evolving business structures in the legal profession. Our guest is Tom Spahn of McGuireWoods, a nationally recognized authority on legal ethics and attorney‑client privilege. A Class of 1998 Fellow, Tom has long helped the Virginia Law Foundation uphold the legal education pillar of our mission, serving as both a Virginia CLE faculty member and a prolific author of our publications.  Beyond the Episode:Get to know our distinguished guest, Tom SpahnJoin us in Charlottesville or virtually to learn from him at the May 27 Virginia CLE seminar, Ethical Marketing for the Modern LawyerBe like Tom, and teach for Virginia CLE! Submit a program proposal at this link.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.

Thomas Dunlap’s fascinating path to the law winds through acting and banking in New York, serving as a Recon Scout in the U.S. Army, earning an MBA and a masters in biotech, and starting a nanosciences company. The founding partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig (a podcaster himself) joins Senior Director of Seminars, John Rotman, to discuss one of the hottest topics in the field of law: the black swan event that is AI.  Beyond the Episode Learn more about Tom’s work with Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig. Check out Tom’s show, the Black Letter Podcast. Want more on AI? Join us for Tom’s seminar The Essential Guide to AI in the Law Firm with Virginia CLE, April 8.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.

Christie Marra, director of housing advocacy at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, has devoted her whole career to making a more just Virginia. (In fact, she was recently inducted as a 2026 Virginia Law Foundation Fellow to celebrate those efforts!) Christie joins VP of CLE, Karl Doss, to share how her work in legal aid led her to statewide housing advocacy and explain why housing stability is central to access to justice.  Beyond the Episode Get to know Christie and other members of the Virginia Law Foundation’s Class of 2026 FellowsMark your calendar for the Virginia Poverty Law Center's Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference, October 14 – 16, 2026, in Norfolk  See how grants from the Virginia Law Foundation are supporting the VPLC and other service organizations across the stateThe 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.

Steve Noona Stephen E. Noona, chair of litigation at Kaufman & Canoles, joins CEO Alison Martin for the inaugural episode of Just Virginia. The double Hoo from Tidewater credits his father with instilling the value of giving back (and his four sisters with honing his early argument and persuasive skills!). Steve’s passion for the VLF’s community and philanthropic work hasn’t abated since he completed his term as president, which makes him the perfect guest to kick off the pod!   Beyond the Episode — Links and More Meet our guest, Stephen E. Noona Learn how VLF grants impacted the lives of more than half a million Virginians last year. Know a worthy legal-oriented nonprofit? There’s still a week left to apply for a 2026 grant from the VLF! 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.

Coming soon!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. 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.