Professional Guidelines

An agency of the Supreme Court of Virginia

The Virginia State Bar

Professional Guidelines

13-29 Duties of Disbarred or Suspended Respondent

After a Suspension against a Respondent is imposed by either a Summary Order or Memorandum Order and no stay of the Suspension has been granted by this Court, or after a Revocation against a Respondent is imposed by either a Summary Order or Memorandum Order, Respondent shall forthwith give notice, by certified mail, of his or her Revocation or Suspension to all clients for whom he or she is currently handling matters and to all opposing Attorneys and the presiding Judges in pending litigation.  The Respondent shall also make appropriate arrangements for the disposition of matters then in his or her care in conformity with the wishes of his or her clients. The Respondent shall give such notice immediately and in no event later than 14 days of the effective date of the Revocation or Suspension, and make such arrangements as are required herein as soon as is practicable and in no event later than 45 days of the effective date of the Revocation or Suspension.  The Respondent shall also furnish proof to the Clerk within 60 days of the effective date of the Revocation or Suspension that such notices have been timely given and such arrangements have been made for the disposition of matters.  The Board shall decide all issues concerning the adequacy of the notice and arrangements required herein.  The burden of proof shall be on the Respondent to show compliance.  If the Respondent fails to show compliance, the Board may impose a sanction of Revocation or additional Suspension for failure to comply with the requirements of this subparagraph 13-29.

 

The amendments effective July 16, 2021revised Paragraph 13 to promote greater fairness, efficiency, consistency, and transparency in bar proceedings.

Updated: July 15, 2021