BRAZIL STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

Earlier this year, the Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors approved a grant to the Brazil Study Abroad Program at the WVU College of Law. A number of law students and faculty members, led by Professors andre cummings and John Taylor, spent several days in Brazil during which they studied the legal, economic and cultural systems. The grant paid for the expenses of two law students. In an earlier Bar Foundation Brief, a note from one of the students, Dale Harrison, was included. We are pleased to place below a note from the other student, Crystal Bombard.

Dear Mr. Tinder,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to study in Brazil.  It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.  I had never been out of the country before, so I was quite surprised that my first trip abroad was for law school (I thought I was supposed to be locked in the library studying for three years, haha).  The chance to study the legal system, and more importantly the way of life, in South America was amazing.  It opened my eyes to so much, and I hope that I can take my experience in Brazil and apply it at home.  I am so grateful to the West Virginia Bar Foundation for this once in a lifetime opportunity.  I have included my blog from Brazil below.  Again, thank you so much!

Respectfully,

Crystal Bombard

http://wvulawinbrazil.blogspot.com/2009/06/day-10-wednesday-may-27-2009-garoto.html#comments

NATIONAL MEETINGS

Earlier this month, the American Bar Association held its Annual Meeting in Chicago. As part of this event which attracted more than 10,000 lawyers from all parts of the world, there were sessions of the House of Delegates, National Conference of Bar Foundations, National Association of IOLTA Programs, the National Conference of Bar Presidents, the National Association of Bar Executives, the Young Lawyers Division and numerous Sections and Commissions. More than twenty lawyers from West Virginia were in attendance. These meetings are excellent opportunities to learn and share knowledge and information to improve the administration of justice and enhance the legal profession.

GRANTS PROGRAM

The Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors, a diverse group of lawyers from all parts of the state and all types of law practice, has strengthened its commitment to providing grants to worthwhile organizations throughout the state that work to improve the administration of justice and the provision of legal services to our citizens. The Board’s Grants Committee reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to the Board at its quarterly meetings. After beginning its Grants Program cautiously just five years ago, the Board has moved forward in a more proactive manner, especially in the past fifteen months. More than $63,000 has been granted, with more than two thirds of that amount being distributed since June, 2008. The Grant Application Form and the list of grantees are located on the Bar Foundation’s fine website: www.wvbarfoundation.org