Virginia Law

Article 3. Board of Bar Examiners.

The Board of Bar Examiners shall be responsible for the examination of applicants and otherwise ascertaining the qualifications of applicants for admission to the bar and shall be composed of five attorneys who are residents of the Commonwealth. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for holding examinations or the transaction of other business. The word "Board" when used in this chapter shall mean the Board of Bar Examiners.

Code 1950, §§ 54-53, 54-55; 1988, c. 765; 1998, c. 796.

The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Supreme Court for five-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled by the Court for the full term of five years.

Code 1950, § 54-54; 1988, c. 765.

The Board shall elect one of its members to serve as its president, and may appoint a qualified member of the Virginia State Bar to act as secretary and treasurer of the Board.

Code 1950, § 54-56; 1972, c. 444; 1988, c. 765.

The Board shall do, or cause to be done, all things it considers necessary, convenient or expedient in connection with the preparation, conduct and grading of examinations, in determining the qualifications of applicants, in determining requirements for taking and passing examinations, and in granting such certificates to practice law as may be authorized by the Supreme Court. The Board may promulgate rules and regulations to aid in the exercise of its authority and in the discharge of its duties.

1976, c. 377, § 54-57.1; 1988, c. 765; 1998, c. 796.

The members of the Board and members of any character and fitness committee shall each receive such compensation as established by the Rules of the Supreme Court for the time spent in the discharge of their duties as members, and shall be entitled to reimbursement for such of their actual expenses as are necessary and ordinarily incident to travel as members of the Board or such character and fitness committee to be computed in accordance with §§ 2.2-2814 through 2.2-2826. The compensation of the secretary and treasurer shall be fixed by the Board. The compensation for services and expenses shall not exceed the amount received as fees from applicants, which shall be fixed by the rules and regulations adopted by the Board.

Code 1950, § 54-58; 1954, c. 709; 1956, c. 252; 1960, c. 90; 1966, c. 25; 1970, c. 255; 1987, c. 339; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 734; 1993, c. 262.

In order to defray the compensation, mileage and expenses above provided for, the Board shall fix by general rule or special order the fees to be paid by each applicant.

Code 1950, § 54-59; 1988, c. 765.