IOLTA PROGRAM-
In the past 20 years, the Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program has provided more than $13.5 million for the provision of free civil legal services for low income citizens in West Virginia. Instituted by an Order of the WV Supreme Court (Rule 1.15 of the Rules of Professional Conduct) and administered by the WV Bar Foundation (6.2% administrative costs), the IOLTA program currently distributes funds on a quarterly basis to seven grantees that are involved in assisting low income families with their civil legal problems. IOLTA funds have always been a significant source of financial assistance for these worthwhile endeavors.

CITIZEN AND LAWYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS-
Since 1996, the West Virginia Bar Foundation has provided annual awards to honor two West Virginians who have performed outstanding community service. One award, the Lawyer Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a West Virginia lawyer. The second award, the Public Citizen of the Year Award, is presented to a non-lawyer West Virginia citizen. The deadline for nominations for the 2010 awards is FEBRUARY 26. The forms for nominations are located on the Bar Foundation’s website—wvbarfoundation.org—- under Awards on ther toolbar.

WEBSITE-
The WV Bar Foundation’s website—wvbarfoundation.org—-continues to be the vital source for facts, information and materials concerning the wide array of programs, services and activities that make the Bar Foundation the philanthropic organization for West Virginia’s legal profession and justice system. The website undergoes continuous additions, changes and improvements in order to meet the needs of Bar Foundation members, Fellows and the general public. After utilizing the website, please give us your comments and suggestions in order to keep it as a helpful and beneficial communications tool.