Olivia Seksinsky

The Project

Olivia’s (she/her) Fellowship will provide direct representation to limited-income families who face housing instability or uninhabitable conditions at their place of residence.

Housing injustice persists in a myriad of ways in central Virginia– through poor housing conditions, a lack of affordable housing options coupled with financial insecurity, housing discrimination, and a daunting legal system that can be difficult for tenants to navigate on their own. Olivia believes that access to representation is one step toward promoting housing justice in Virginia.

The legal process can be daunting for tenants. As of July 1, 2022, when numerous changes in Virginia’s landlord-tenant laws became effective, there are now fewer tenant-friendly laws in place to aid tenants facing eviction. Additionally, some obstacles can prevent tenants from being able to appear in court, such as lack of transportation or childcare, or an inability to miss time from work. Individual legal representation is imperative to tenants, especially those residing in Richmond, which historically has had one of the highest eviction rates in the country.

Fellowship Plans

Olivia plans to provide legal representation to limited-income tenants in the General District Courts of Richmond City, Henrico County, Goochland County, and Hanover County. Olivia plans to carry a substantial caseload of landlord-tenant cases, providing assistance with eviction defense and aiding tenants in asserting their right to safe, habitable housing and obtaining redress for unlawful landlord practices.