WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO
Our goal is to serve as a resource hub, connecting individuals to appropriate legal services and providing education and training to the community and legal professionals. L.E.A.R.N. VA is not a law firm and we do not represent clients in legal matters. We are a legal education and resource network committed to empowering communities and legal professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to address heirs property issues effectively. Our services include:
Legal Referral Services: We connect individuals and families with qualified legal professionals who specialize in heirs property and related matters.
Community Outreach and Education: We provide educational workshops, seminars, and resources to raise awareness about heirs property issues and equip communities with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Legal Training for Lawyers: We offer specialized training for attorneys to enhance their understanding of cultural competency and legal challenges related to heirs property.
“Growing up, my exposure to the idea of wills and estates came from movies dealing with large inheritances, associating them with immense wealth, mansions, and fine jewelry. It never crossed my mind that our family home and the land it stood on constituted an estate that needed protection through proper estate planning.” - Karla Carter
About the Founder
Karla Carter is the founder of the Legal Education and Resource Network of Virginia, also known as L.E.A.R.N. VA. Passionate about property rights and environmental justice, Karla Carter is also a frequent speaker and writer on issues involving heirs’ property and is devoted to educating the community and legal professionals about heirs’ property, its financial impacts, and land stabilization strategies. Karla spent 23 years in local government as in-house counsel, most recently serving as the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Suffolk before joining Dominion Energy in 2022 as Senior Counsel where she specializes in real estate. Karla earned her undergraduate degree from the College of William & Mary and her law degree from the University of Richmond.
