reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 54.1-3904 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3904. Penalty for practicing without authority

Any person who practices law without being authorized or licensed shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A collection agency may refer debts to an attorney for collection with the creditor's approval of the referral and the fee arrangement and shall not be deemed to be engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. An attorney is permitted by the creditor's authorization to enter into such representation agreements.Code 1950, § 54-44; 1988, c. 765; 1994, c. 441.
VA Code § 54.1-3905 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3905. Furnishing advice and services for compensation in connection with certain debt-pooling plans deemed practicing law

The furnishing of advice or services for compensation to a debtor in connection with a debt-pooling plan pursuant to which the debtor deposits funds for the purpose of distributing them among his creditors, except as authorized for persons licensed pursuant to § 6.2-2005, shall be deemed to be practicing law. Any person or agency not so authorized or who is not a member of the Virginia State Bar who furnishes or offers to furnish such advice or services for compensation shall be in violation of this section. However, it shall not constitute the practice of law merely to make or undertake to make payments to creditors on behalf of debtors, provided any person or agency that does so does not also negotiate with creditors, undertake to negotiate with creditors, or hold itself out as undertaking to negotiate with creditors on behalf of one or more debtors. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.1956, c. 584, § 54-44.1; 1975, c. 645; 1988, c. 765; 1994, c. 567; 2004, c. 790.
VA Code § 54.1-3906 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3906. Liability to client

Every attorney shall be liable to his client for any damage sustained by the client through the neglect of his duty as such attorney.Code 1950, § 54-46; 1988, c. 765; 2011, c. 703.
VA Code § 54.1-3907 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3907. Reasonable care of attorney in selection of index

Any attorney who in the examination of records in the office of the clerk of any court in this Commonwealth relies upon the correctness of any index found in such office, whether it is the original index prepared by the clerk or by persons other than the clerk, shall be deemed to have used reasonable care in the selection of the index.1960, c. 441, § 54-44.2; 1988, c. 765.
VA Code § 54.1-3908 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3908. Liability for words used in proceedings concerning conduct

No person shall be held liable in any civil action for words written or spoken in any complaint regarding, proceeding concerning, or investigation of, the professional conduct of any member of the Virginia State Bar, unless it is shown that such statements were false and were made willfully and maliciously.Code 1950, § 54-47; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 574; 1996, c. 399.
VA Code § 54.1-3909 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3909. Rules and regulations defining practice of law and prescribing procedures for practice of law by law students, codes of ethics, use of limited liability companies, and disciplinary procedure

The Supreme Court may promulgate rules and regulations:Defining the practice of law.Prescribing procedures for the limited practice of law by third-year law students.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.Prescribing procedures for disciplining, suspending, and disbarring attorneys.Code 1950, § 54-48; 1973, c. 484; 1974, c. 456; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 574.
VA Code § 54.1-3910 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3910. Organization and government of Virginia State Bar

The Supreme Court may promulgate rules and regulations organizing and governing the Virginia State Bar. The Virginia State Bar shall act as an administrative agency of the Court for the purpose of investigating and reporting violations of rules and regulations adopted by the Court under this article. All advisory opinions issued by the Virginia State Bar's Standing Committees on Legal Ethics, Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation, and Unauthorized Practice of Law shall be incorporated into the Code of Virginia pursuant to § 30-154. All persons engaged in the practice of law in the Commonwealth shall be active members in good standing of the Virginia State Bar.Code 1950, § 54-49; 1974, c. 536; 1991, c. 564; 2002, c. 306.
VA Code § 54.1-3910.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3910.1. Enforcement, etc., of costs

Orders of the Disciplinary Board regarding unpaid costs assessed by the Clerk of the Disciplinary System pursuant to Part Six, Section IV, Paragraph 13 of the Rules of the Supreme Court may be recorded, enforced, and satisfied as orders or decrees of a circuit court upon certification of such order by the Disciplinary Board.2001, c. 225.
VA Code § 54.1-3911 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3911. Transmission of certain information to the House Committee for Courts of Justice and the Senate Committee on the Judiciary

The Virginia State Bar is authorized to transmit to the House Committee for Courts of Justice and the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, upon request of the chairman of either Committee, any evidence that it has in its possession with reference to any pending disciplinary proceeding involving a licensed attorney whose name has been placed before the Committee for consideration for election as a judge of a court of this Commonwealth and the record of any previous disciplinary action taken against the attorney.1985, c. 264, § 54-49.1; 1988, c. 765.
VA Code § 54.1-3912 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3912. Fees

The Supreme Court may promulgate rules and regulations fixing a schedule of fees to be paid by members of the Virginia State Bar for the purpose of administering this article, and providing for the collection and disbursement of such fees; but the annual fees to be paid by any attorney shall not exceed $250.Code 1950, § 54-50; 1956, c. 256; 1964, c. 332; 1970, c. 605; 1975, c. 218; 1982, c. 602; 1986, c. 205; 1988, c. 765; 1993, c. 38; 1995, c. 15.
VA Code § 54.1-3913 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3913. State Bar Fund; receipts; disbursements

The State Bar Fund is continued as a special fund in the state treasury. All fees collected from the members of the Virginia State Bar as provided in § 54.1-3912 shall be paid into the state treasury immediately upon collection and credited to the State Bar Fund. All moneys paid into the Fund are hereby appropriated to the Virginia State Bar for the purpose of administering the provisions of this article. All disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer upon warrants of the Comptroller issued upon vouchers signed by an authorized officer of the Virginia State Bar in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Supreme Court.Code 1950, § 54-52; 1964, c. 531; 1974, c. 608; 1979, c. 440; 1988, c. 765.
VA Code § 54.1-3913.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3913.1. (Effective until July 1, 2023) Clients' Protection Fund

The Clients' Protection Fund is continued as a special fund of the Virginia State Bar. The Fund shall consist of moneys transferred to it from the State Bar Fund and the Virginia State Bar's Administration and Finance Account. Disbursements to the Clients' Protection Fund from the State Bar Fund shall be made only upon approval of the disbursements through the annual budgetary process of the Virginia State Bar. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 54.1-3912, the Supreme Court may adopt rules assessing members of the Virginia State Bar an annual fee of up to $25 to be deposited in the State Bar Fund and transferred to the Clients' Protection Fund.1996, c. 346; 2007, c. 807.
VA Code § 54.1-3913.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3913.1. (Effective July 1, 2023) Clients' Protection Fund

The Clients' Protection Fund is continued as a special fund of the Virginia State Bar. The Fund shall consist of moneys transferred to it from the State Bar Fund and the Virginia State Bar's Administration and Finance Account. Disbursements to the Clients' Protection Fund from the State Bar Fund shall be made only upon approval of the disbursements through the annual budgetary process of the Virginia State Bar. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 54.1-3912, the Supreme Court may adopt rules assessing members of the Virginia State Bar an annual fee of up to $25 to be deposited in the State Bar Fund and transferred to the Clients' Protection Fund.1996, c. 346; 2007, c. 807.
VA Code § 54.1-3914 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3914. Forfeiture of license for failing to pay fees; restoration of license

Any attorney licensed to practice in this Commonwealth who fails for two successive years to pay the annual fees provided for by § 54.1-3912, shall thereby forfeit his license to practice law in this Commonwealth.On or before July 31 of each year, the Executive Director of the Virginia State Bar shall notify every attorney whose fees for the two preceding years have not been paid. The notice shall be deemed to have been given if deposited by registered or certified mail addressed to such attorney at his address as shown on the Executive Director's official records. If payment is not received by the Executive Director within six months from the date of such notice, he shall remove the name of the attorney from his list of persons qualified to practice law in Virginia, and shall notify the clerk of the Supreme Court of Virginia that the name of the attorney has been removed. The name of any attorney so removed shall be restored only upon application of such person to the Executive Director accompanied by a sum equal to the aggregate of all fees which are due, plus a penalty of $100. Upon receipt of the fees and penalty, the Executive Director shall restore the name of such person to his list of persons qualified to practice law in Virginia and shall notify the clerk of the Supreme Court of Virginia that such name has been restored.1960, c. 459, § 54-50.1; 1984, c. 359; 1988, c. 765.
VA Code § 54.1-3915 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3915. Restrictions as to rules and regulations

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this article, the Supreme Court shall not promulgate rules or regulations prescribing a code of ethics governing the professional conduct of attorneys which are inconsistent with any statute; nor shall it promulgate any rule or regulation or method of procedure which eliminates the jurisdiction of the courts to deal with the discipline of attorneys. In no case shall an attorney who demands to be tried by a court of competent jurisdiction for the violation of any rule or regulation adopted under this article be tried in any other manner.Code 1950, § 54-51; 1974, c. 536; 1988, c. 765.
VA Code § 54.1-3916 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3916. Legal aid societies

A. 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. To the extent that interest is paid by a financial institution on client funds deposited by attorneys or law firms in pooled interest-bearing accounts, any interest earned on such accounts shall be paid by the financial institution periodically, but at least quarterly, to the Legal Services Corporation of Virginia.B. The rules and regulations adopted under subsection A may be enforced by the Virginia State Bar, or by the Attorney General if so authorized by the Virginia State Bar.C. It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, firm, corporation, or other organization to render legal services as a legal aid society, or for any attorney to render legal services at the instance or request of any such person, firm, corporation, or organization unless the person, firm, corporation, or organization complies with the rules and regulations adopted under subsection A. In addition to the criminal penalty, an injunction shall lie to prevent any violation of this section or rule or regulation adopted hereunder.1956, Ex. Sess., c. 47; 1958, c. 253; 1988, c. 765; 1995, c. 93; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 342.
VA Code § 54.1-3917 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3917. Master retirement program

The Virginia State Bar through its governing body is authorized to approve and be a party to a master retirement program for the benefit of the members of the Virginia State Bar, their employees and families, including the power to execute, amend and revoke a master plan and trust agreement and to pay from the State Bar Fund in the manner provided in § 54.1-3913 the printing and administrative costs incurred in the promulgation and explanation of such program to the members of the Virginia State Bar. Any such program entered into or expenditure made before June 28, 1968, is hereby validated.1968, c. 370, § 54-52.2; 1988, c. 765.
VA Code § 54.1-3917.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3917.1. Group or individual insurance policies

The Virginia State Bar, through its governing body, is authorized to endorse insurance coverages or to be a holder of group or individual insurance policies for the benefit of the members of the Virginia State Bar, their employees and families. In connection therewith, the Virginia State Bar is authorized to execute, amend and revoke agreements to provide such endorsement or such group or individual insurance policies to such members, employees and families. All group or individual insurance policies or coverages endorsed or held by the Virginia State Bar before July 1, 1995, are hereby approved.1995, c. 65.
VA Code § 54.1-3918 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3918. Availability of Virginia State Bar membership list

When requested, copies of the Virginia State Bar membership address list shall be made available to Virginia professional legal organizations which operate not for profit and which regularly conduct continuing legal education programs in the Commonwealth. If specified by the requestor, the list shall be made available in computer sorted zip code sequence in a mailing label format suitable for bulk mailing. Lists shall be provided by the Virginia State Bar on a cost recovery basis.Each request for the mailing list shall be made in writing by requesting organizations to the Executive Director of the Virginia State Bar. Each request shall state the date the list is needed by the requestor and each request shall be postmarked no less than thirty days prior to such date. The cost of mailing or shipping shall be borne by the requestor.1981, c. 496, § 54-52.2:1; 1988, c. 765.
VA Code § 54.1-3919 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3919. Composition of Board; quorum

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.
VA Code § 54.1-3920 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3920. Appointment and terms of members

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.
VA Code § 54.1-3921 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3921. Board to elect one of its members president; appointment of secretary and treasurer

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.
VA Code § 54.1-3922 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3922. Powers, rules and regulations

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.
VA Code § 54.1-3923 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3923. Compensation of members, secretary, treasurer and character and fitness committee; expenses of examinations

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.
VA Code § 54.1-3924 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3924. Fees paid by applicants

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.
VA Code § 54.1-3925 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3925. Application for examination

A person desiring to take an examination under this article shall file with the Board his application therefor in such form as the Board may require not later than May 10 for the next following July examination and December 15 for the next following February examination. An application shall be deemed to be timely filed if (i) it is transmitted expense prepaid to the Office of the Secretary of the Board by priority, express, registered, or certified mail via the United States Postal Service, or by a third party commercial carrier for next-day delivery, and (ii) the official receipt therefor issued by the United States Postal Service or by such third party commercial carrier, which shall be exhibited on demand of the Secretary, shows such transmission or mailing to the Secretary's office on or before the prescribed deadline.Code 1950, § 54-60; 1952, c. 553; 1960, c. 379; 1966, c. 157; 1968, c. 74; 1972, cc. 535, 824; 1974, c. 686; 1980, c. 533; 1987, c. 265; 1987, Sp. Sess., c. 2; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 734; 1998, c. 71; 2011, c. 709.
VA Code § 54.1-3925.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3925.1. Proof of character and fitness required of applicant; character and fitness committee; fees

A. Before issuing to any applicant a license or certificate to practice law in Virginia, the Board shall have found from satisfactory evidence produced by the applicant in such form as the Board may require that the applicant is a person of honest demeanor and good moral character, is over the age of eighteen and possesses the requisite fitness to perform the obligations and responsibilities of a practicing attorney at law.B. In making such determinations, the Board shall conduct such further inquiries, interviews and hearings as the Board may deem necessary. At the request of the Board, the Supreme Court may appoint a separate character and fitness committee, some of the members of which may be persons who are not licensed attorneys, to assist in reviewing character and fitness evidence and to make recommendations to the Board based upon standards adopted by the Board; however, no applicant shall be denied a license on character and fitness reasons except by action of a majority of the Board, after notice to the applicant and an opportunity for the applicant to be heard before the Board.C. The Board shall from time to time set character and fitness application fees sufficient to cover the costs of the character and fitness process.1992, c. 734; 1998, c. 796.
VA Code § 54.1-3925.2 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations|Chapter 39 - Attorneys|§ 54.1-3925.2. Access to criminal history records

The Board is authorized to obtain criminal history record information relating to an applicant from any state or federal law-enforcement agency. Any information so obtained is for the exclusive use of the Board and the character and fitness committee and shall not be released to any other person or agency except in furtherance of the investigation of the applicant or with the authorization of the applicant or upon court order.1992, c. 734.