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If you have a question, please check the following list of frequently asked questions for the answer. If you don't find the information you need, please let us know so that we can add your question to the list. 1. What is the difference between The Virginia Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar? 2. How do I choose an attorney? 3. Where can I get a referral? 4. How can I find out about pro bono assistance? 5. How do I file a complaint against an attorney? 6. How are attorneys licensed in Virginia? 7. Where can I get information about the "reading the law" program? |
| 1. What is the difference between The Virginia Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar? | The Virginia Bar Association is a voluntary professional association for attorneys. The Virginia State Bar is a mandatory licensing agency. Attorneys must be licensed by the Virginia State Bar in order to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Not all Virginia attorneys choose to be members of The Virginia Bar Association. In addition, The Virginia Bar Association does not require attorneys to be licensed in Virginia for membership. | |
| If you are looking for a referral, please see the next question for a list of referral services available in Virginia. Sometimes people do not want to use a referral service or are unable to get a satisfactory referral. There are other ways of finding an attorney. Some directories exist which list attorneys and include information about their special practice areas. One good directory is the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. Another route is to ask a friend for a recommendation. Attorneys can also be good sources of referrals for other attorneys in their own and other practice areas. | ||
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The Virginia Bar Association does not offer referrals.
There are, however, a number of referral services in the state. The Virginia
State Bar operates a referral service which can be reached at 1-800-552-7977.
Several local bars also offer referrals: Alexandria Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service -
(703) 548-1105 Numbers are subject to change. |
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Pro bono assistance is available through the Legal Aid offices throughout the state. |
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| 6. How do I file a complaint against an attorney? |
Complaints are handled by the Virginia State Bar, the mandatory and licensing agency in Virginia. The Virginia State Bar can be reached by telephone at (804) 775-0500, or by mail at 707 E. Main Street, Suite 1500, Richmond, Virginia 23219. |
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| 7. How are attorneys licensed in Virginia? | Attorneys must be licensed to practice law in Virginia. Licensing is handled by the Virginia State Bar which can be reached at (804) 775-0500. The mailing address is 707 E. Main Street, Suite 1500, Richmond, VA 23219. The Board of Bar Examiners is responsible for administering the Bar Exam. It can be reached at (804) 786-7490. The mailing address is Suite 225, Shockoe Centre, 11 South 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. | |
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7. Where can I get information about the "reading law" program? |
Information about this program is available from the Board of Bar Examiners. That organization can be reached at (804) 786-7490. The mailing address is Suite 225, Shockoe Centre, 11 South 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. |
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| 8.
How do I sign up for the Bar Exam?
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The Virginia Bar Association is not involved with the licensing process. Licensing is handled by the Virginia State Bar. The Board of Bar Examiners is responsible for administering the Bar Exam, and can be reached at (804) 786-7490. The mailing address is Suite 225, Shockoe Centre, 11 South 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. | |
| 9. What law schools are located in Virginia? |
Appalachian School of Law College of William & Mary George Mason University School
of Law Regent University School
of Law
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University of Richmond University of Virginia
School of Law Washington and Lee University
School of Law |