The Virginia State Bar (VSB) has made the Karen A. Gould Hearing Room (“hearing room”) available to use for moot court or appellate hearing preparation at the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, or the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Use of the hearing room is free of charge for members and must be reserved in advance. While disciplinary hearings and other VSB activities will have priority over any other request for the hearing room, this space offers a realistic courtroom for practicing oral arguments at a convenient location near the courts.
How do I make a reservation?
You must be a member of the Virginia State Bar to make a reservation. Reservations can be made by sending an email to [email protected], please include “Gould Hearing Room Reservation” in the subject line. Upon receipt of your request to make a reservation, you will be emailed a reservation form for you to complete. Allow up to five business days for a request to be reviewed and approved. After your request has been received, you will receive an email to confirm your reservation.
Where are you located?
The VSB is located at 1111 E. Main Street, Suite 700, Richmond, VA 23219, inside of the Bank of America Center (BOA). If you are using the BOA East Main Street entrance, here are instructions on how to find us.
Where can I park?
The parking entrance is on Cary Street (one way), directly across from the James Center / Omni Hotel and Starbucks, at 1110 East Cary Street.
The BOA garage offers limited parking for visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis (lower level). VSB will not validate parking and any unauthorized vehicle parked in a reserved spot will be towed, at the owner’s expense.
How to access the VSB office?
Once you are in the building, use the passenger elevators in the main lobby to access the 7th floor.
Use the intercom box to the right of the double glass doors to communicate with the receptionist. Please speak clearly and let us know the reason for your visit. There will be a sign-in sheet at the reception desk to sign upon arrival.
What are the rules?
- Reservations will be accepted Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 12:00pm or 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
- The hearing room may not be used during office closures, including emergency closings, holidays, etc.
- You are expected to engage in respectful conduct while at the VSB.
- No food, including chewing gum or drink, except water allowed in the hearing room.
- No firearms or weapons are permitted while on VSB property with the exception of any person specified in § 18.2-283.2 E of the Code of Virginia.
- You are expected to dispose of all trash in trash bins and ensure personal belongings are removed before leaving. The VSB is not responsible for lost and/or damaged items.
- While furniture is moveable, it must not be rearranged without prior authorization.
- The VSB does not offer childcare services.
- The VSB will not provide digital tools for demonstration purposes.
- Limited technical support may be available, upon request.
What if there is an emergency evacuation during my visit?
In the event of an emergency evacuation, you must follow VSB staff’s direction until you have exited safely at the assembly area. The VSB emergency response team will be posted at designated stairwell exits and moving throughout the floor to assist with egress. Do NOT attempt to use elevators in case of a fire emergency. Do not leave without reporting your departure to a member of the VSB emergency response team. All visitors and staff must be accounted for.
Additional Information
- Contact: Natalie Gilliam, Facilities Coordinator
- Phone: (804) 775-0512
- Email: [email protected]