McGuireWoods LLP, along with a number of other law firms and business leaders in Richmond, announced today that best-selling author John Grisham will be in Richmond on Thursday, November 13, to host “A Benefit for Legal Aid.” As a highlight of the event, Grisham will be auctioning off the right to name a character in one of his up-coming novels.
The after-hours reception at Toad’s Place will raise funds for the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society and the Legal Aid Justice Center, two local organizations with a single mission of providing no-cost legal representation to those in need in Central Virginia.
As part of the evening’s activities, Grisham will also be delivering remarks about his career and the importance of Legal Aid. In addition, Virginia First Lady Anne Holton, a legal aid lawyer in Richmond for ten years before becoming a juvenile court judge, will also be recognized her years’ of service to the legal community.
“Many people in our community are one paycheck away from poverty, and can not afford a lawyer to stop their eviction, gain needed benefits or protect the custody of their children,” said Richard Cullen, chairman of McGuireWoods, a major sponsor of the event. “That’s why Legal Aid is so invaluable. We need to ensure these two organizations stay strong on the point, and back them up with many private lawyers as Legal Aid volunteers.”
The fundraiser will be held at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 13 at Toad’s Place, 140 Virginia Street in Shockoe Bottom. Tickets for the event may be purchased at the door the night of the event for $45.00.
Other sponsors of the event include Dominion, Altria, LeClair Ryan, Williams Mullen, Troutman Sanders, and Hunton & Williams.