Mark Braley

1953 - 2026

A generous and deeply caring man, Mark Davis Braley, 72, of Richmond, Virginia, peacefully passed away on February 2, 2026, at home with his partner of 32 years by his side.

Mark was born in Milford, Massachusetts, to Karl and Jean. The New England Patriots and Red Sox lived boisterously in his heart until the end. After serving in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne, Mark earned his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy at the University of Southern Maine. He graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1987.

From 1992 to 2023, Mark served the Legal Services Corporation of Virginia (LCSV) as executive director, designing and managing the planning, funding, and development of Virginia's legal aid system. A pivotal aspect of his work was administrating Interest On Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) -accounts that generate funds used for legal aid by low-income people. He served terms as treasurer and president of the board of the National Association of IOLTA Programs.

Before joining LSCV, Mark practiced law in Richmond, litigating criminal and civil cases that included family law, civil rights, fair housing, nonprofit representation, workers' compensation, and consumer protection. Mark also served as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Petersburg, Virginia, early in his career.

Mark was honored by Governor Kaine, the Virginia State Bar, and the Association of Virginia Legal Aid Programs, among many accolades. He was a Virginia Supreme Court Access to Justice commissioner and an ex officio member of the Virginia State Bar's Access to Legal Services Committee.

A dedicated traveler, Mark's final international jaunt took him and Burt to Verona, Italy, in February 2025. Mark collected first-edition books (an Anthony Trollope volume was on his nightstand), chose, enjoyed, and shared gorgeous wines, and loved the beach.

Mark is survived by his partner Burchell (Burt) Pinnock, sister Carol Bancroft, brothers Craig, Peter, Glen, and Edward, and a host of nieces and nephews. The family will mourn and celebrate Mark's life privately and asks that his network of friends and colleagues do the same.

Please consider a gift to the Legal Services Corporation of Virginia (lscv.org). Supporting the organization will honor Mark's life work: making legal help accessible to people who cannot afford representation.