The Prince William County Bar Foundation:
The Legal Profession Taking Time for Community Service

The Prince William County Bar Foundation (PWCBF) was established in November 2000. It is a 501(c)(3) corporation that operates exclusively as a tax-exempt funding mechanism independent of, but in conjunction with, the Prince William County Bar Association. The Foundation raises and disperses funds in support of the work, services and objectives of the Bar Association in the furtherance of law related community services and other projects undertaken by the Bar. The Foundation also can disperse funds in support of non-Bar related activities that meet the Foundation's purposes.

Signature Programs

The Foundation supports various community service programs sponsored by the Bar Association. Most programs focus on the youth of our community and attempt to provide assistance, guidance and education to encourage area youth to make good choices and avoid entanglements with the justice system. PWCBF commits to fund the following annual community service programs.

"So You're 18"
A county-wide educational program for high school seniors that involves local attorneys visiting high schools prior to graduation each year to educate the senior class as to the legal rights, duties and obligations that they will be faced with upon reaching the legal age of majority.

Beat the Odds®
A program based on that designed by the National Children's Defense Fund that identifies, recognizes and awards area youth who have overcome significant obstacles to their success and succeeded despite the odds against them. PWCBF awards scholarships and vocational funds for honorees to continue their education beyond graduation from local high schools.

Character Counts!
PWCBF funds awards for the annual essay contest within the middle schools served by the Thirty-first Judicial Circuit in which school children in the grades 6 through 8 are invited to submit essays related to the subject of why character is important both individually and in our society. The contest attempts to affirm and award those positive traits that will hopefully prevent area youth from becoming involved with the juvenile justice system. Over 450 essays were received in 2003 from children in the jurisdiction, of which 6 were chosen for recognition and awards.

Court-Appointed Attorney Brochure
PWCBF funds the annual printing and development of this informational pamphlet that is provided to citizens who come before the court and are entitled to legal representation through a court-appointed attorney. Brochures are available at no charge to the public at the Clerk's offices at the Judicial Center, 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, Va. 20110.