15VAC5. Virginia State Bar
VAC AGENCY NO. 5
VIRGINIA STATE BAR
AGENCY SUMMARY
The Virginia Supreme Court is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations organizing and governing the Virginia State Bar. The Virginia State Bar acts as an administrative agency of the Supreme Court. It is responsible for investigating and reporting violations of rules and regulations adopted by the Supreme Court under Article 2 (§ 54.1-3909 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia. All persons engaged in the practice of law must be active members in good standing with the Virginia State Bar. Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 39, Article 2.
The Supreme Court is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations: (i) defining the practice of law; (ii) prescribing procedures for the limited practice of law by third-year law students; (iii) prescribing a code of ethics governing the professional conduct of attorneys including the practice of law or patent law through professional law corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships, and a code of judicial ethics; and (iv) prescribing procedures for disciplining, suspending, and disbarring attorneys. Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 39, Article 2.
The Virginia State Bar through its governing body is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations governing the function and operation of legal aid societies to further the objective of providing legal assistance to persons requiring such assistance but unable to pay for it. Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 39, Article 2.
The Virginia State Bar, in consultation with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the Virginia Real Estate Board, is required to promulgate regulations establishing guidelines for settlement agents designed to assist them in avoiding and preventing the unauthorized practice of law in conjunction with providing escrow, closing and settlement services. Code of Virginia, Title 55, Chapter 27.3.
Regulations are available at the offices of the Virginia State Bar, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 700, Richmond, VA 23219-0026. Internet address: http://www.vsb.org/
Rev. 7/2024