About Helen Hardiman

"Fair housing is more than my profession — it’s part of who I am.”

                                        - Helen Hardiman

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Helen Hardiman is a civil rights attorney and founder of Hardiman Law PLLC, a Richmond-based law firm dedicated to advancing housing justice, protecting civil rights, and supporting underserved communities across Virginia. With a career spanning public service, nonprofit leadership, and private practice, Helen brings deep experience in fair housing law, disability rights, and civil rights enforcement.

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Helen previously served as a Trial Attorney in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of General Counsel, where she supported HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in enforcing the federal Fair Housing Act. Prior to that, she was an Assistant Attorney General and Policy Advisor in the Virginia Office of Civil Rights, investigating and litigating claims of discrimination and advising on statewide civil rights policy and legislation.

Helen founded Hardiman Law PLLC in 2017 and quickly built a practice known for effective, compassionate advocacy. In her first two years, she helped over 100 Virginia families secure and maintain fair housing. Before launching the firm, she was Vice President of Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME), where she directed statewide outreach, policy, and enforcement efforts.

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Helen holds a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a concentration in administration, planning, and public policy. She is licensed to practice law in Virginia.

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Throughout her career, Helen has served in numerous public leadership roles, including appointments by governors and mayors to the Virginia Housing Commission, the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development, the Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board, and others.

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