September 29, 2023
Supreme Court of Virginia Approves Two VSB Petitions; Amends Fine Schedule
On Friday, September 29, 2023, the Supreme Court of Virginia approved two Virginia State Bar Council petitions presented to the Court after its June 15, 2023, meeting.
On August 9, 2023, the VSB requested approval of Unauthorized Practice of Law Opinion 219, which contemplates whether non-lawyers may represent licensees and licensee applicants before administrative agencies such as the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
Effective immediately, the Court concluded that such representation by non-lawyers and non-lawyer consulting firms is not permitted and constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.
Also on August 9, 2023, VSB Council requested the Court amend Paragraph 13, Part Six, Section IV of the Rules of Court regarding the procedure for disciplining, suspending, and disbarring attorneys. The Court approved the petition, to become effective November 28, 2023.
On August 9, 2023, the VSB requested approval of Unauthorized Practice of Law Opinion 219, which contemplates whether non-lawyers may represent licensees and licensee applicants before administrative agencies such as the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
Lastly, the Court amended Rule 3B:2. Uniform Fine Schedule, as it pertains to fines associated with moving offenses, effective immediately.
A chronology of the Court’s Orders may be found on its website.