September 01, 2020
Virginia State Bar Newsletter September 2020
The following went out as part of a monthly news summary email to all Virginia lawyers on September 1. To make sure you are receiving the VSB emails, update your contact information with the Virginia State Bar and add vsbnews@vsb.org to your email account's address book.
Governance
On August 20, 2020, the Supreme Court of Virginia issued a unanimous ninth order extending the Declaration of Judicial Emergency in response to COVID-19 through September 20, 2020.
On August 31, 2020, the Court of Appeals of Virginia issued a third-order extending its June 23, 2020, second-order until at least December 31, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Come work with us! The VSB seeks applicants for Assistant Bar Counsel.
A volunteer is needed to serve on the VSB’s MCLE Board. The Nominating Committee will refer nominees to the VSB Council for consideration at its October meeting.
Two volunteers are needed to serve as at-large members on the VSB Council. The Nominating Committee will refer nominees to the VSB Council for consideration at its October meeting.
The VSB seeks public comment on a proposal to include the elimination of bias as a topic for MCLE training in addition to the existing topics of ethics and professionalism.
The VSB is seeking comment on a proposed change to its audit cycle, which currently occurs every year. Under the new proposal, the Bar would be audited every three years in line with the Supreme Court of Virginia and other state agencies.
At the request of Governor Northam, the Supreme Court of Virginia amended its Eighth Judicial Emergency Order to suspend and continue writs of eviction pursuant to unlawful detainer actions for the period from August 10 through September 7, 2020.
Part of the offices of the VSB suddenly flooded on Friday, August 14, sending Bar employees home from work. We were back at work on Monday!
What do you expect from your next VSB president-elect?
If you have questions, concerns, or topics you would like addressed by the candidates, please email elections@vsb.org by September 21 so we may present the candidates' responses to your questions prior to the November election.
Discipline
David Brooks Hundley, license revoked, effective August 6, 2020.
Timothy Andrew Litzenburg, license revoked, effective August 11, 2020.
Rachael Anne Hammer, license suspended, effective August 6, 2020.
Jin-Ho Cynn, license suspended, effective August 28, 2020.
Anna Hughes Myers, license suspended, effective August 28, 2020.
Sameena Sabir, public reprimand, effective August 13, 2020.
Craig Edward Baumann, public admonition, effective July 30, 2020
Compliance
VSB offices are closed to the public. The Supreme Court of Virginia has extended the deadline for dues renewal from July 31, 2020, until September 30, 2020 . Information on dues, acceptable mail services, and upcoming MCLE due dates may be found here . For fastest processing, lawyers are strongly encouraged to renew their licenses and pay annual dues completely online in the lawyer portal . In addition to reducing costs for the VSB, this method simplifies the process and saves time for lawyers.
Pro Bono / Access to Justice
Sign up for a CLE that provides training to help children with learning disabilities navigate COVID issues. If interested, contact Miriam Toran of the Legal Aid Justice Center at miriam@justice4all.org. Date: September 9, 2020, from 3-5 p.m.
A wide variety of other pro bono opportunities stemming from the COVID pandemic also urgently need pro bono lawyers. Please sign up here if you'd like to help.
Thank you to the lawyers who have helped make Virginia's Free Legal Answers one of the best in the country as it celebrates its fourth birthday. It's an easy, low-commitment way to do good from anywhere
Events, CLEs, and Carrico Nominations
Ethics Tonight starring Tony Leone
Be a part of the first CLE of its kind: A free, fun, virtual, and interactive CLE in the late night talk show format on potential malpractice missteps on September 14, 16, and 18 at noon EST.
You are invited to attend the 16th Annual Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (virtual) Retreat on September 17, 2020 with 6 free CLE hours. More information and registration here.
Join the General Practice Section on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 for a free CLE Webinar from 1-2 p.m. as a part of its Lunch and Learn Series. Landlord-Tenant Law Update, Including COVID-19 Protections. 1 hour live CLE.
The Criminal Law section is seeking nominations for the Carrico Professionalism Award that recognizes an individual (judge, defense attorney, prosecutor, clerk or other citizen) who has made a singular and unique contribution to the improvement of the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nominations due December 4, 2020. Last year's recipient was the Hon. Junius P. Fulton III.
Ready for Election Day?: A Local Government Section CLE on Voting Preparedness
September 10, 2020, 2 – 3:30 p.m. webinar
1.5 hours live CLE (pending)
