2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26106548D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 97

Offered February 10, 2026

Commending the Fairfax Bar Association.

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Patrons—Surovell, Boysko, Carroll Foy, Ebbin, Marsden, Pekarsky and Salim; Delegates: Bennett-Parker, Bulova, Cohen, Delaney, Helmer, Herring, Krizek, McGuire, Seibold, Shin, Simon, Sullivan, Tran and Watts

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WHEREAS, for 50 years, the Fairfax Bar Association, the largest local voluntary bar association in Northern Virginia, has cultivated professional excellence, promoted public understanding of the justice system, and served as a leading voice of the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association was incorporated in 1976 to advance the legal profession and serve members of the community in Northern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association has grown to become a distinguished nationally recognized voluntary professional organization with more than 2,000 attorneys practicing in the Commonwealth, Washington, D.C., and Maryland; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association has steadfastly pursued its mission to cultivate professional competence, collegiality, and diversity among its members while facilitating interactions between attorneys and the judiciary; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion within the legal profession, ensuring that the bar reflects the rich diversity of the communities it serves; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association has served as an incubator of legal leadership, with many of its past presidents advancing to serve with distinction as judges in the Virginia judiciary and as presidents of the Virginia State Bar, reflecting the caliber and character of its members; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association has made significant contributions to the administration of justice through its operation of the Fairfax Public Law Library, providing essential legal resources accessible to both attorneys and members of the public; and

WHEREAS, through the Fairfax Law Foundation and the Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center, the Fairfax Bar Association has provided critical legal assistance to those with limited means, embodying the highest ideals of the legal profession's commitment to equal access to justice; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association's Law Related Education Committee programs have enhanced public understanding of the legal system and the rule of law, strengthening civic engagement throughout Northern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association has provided invaluable continuing legal education opportunities, enabling attorneys to maintain the highest standards of professional competence and ethical practice; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service has assisted members of the public in finding qualified legal representation for more than 30 years; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Fairfax Bar Association have consistently demonstrated dedication to improving the legal profession, serving their community, and advancing the administration of justice; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Fairfax Bar Association on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Fairfax Bar Association as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's outstanding contributions to the legal profession and legacy of service to the Commonwealth.