News and Updates   

The Supreme Court of Virginia today formally announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn. His retirement Jan. 1, 2026, will coincide with the end of his current term as chief justice and cap 18 years on the court and 30 years on the bench.

The VBA's legislative counsel has provided a fresh update on where the VBA's legislative agenda stands.

For the 2025 General Assembly session, the VBA has a robust agenda of 10 items proposed by its sections and 18 proposals overall in its legislative package. These advance the VBA goals of promoting access to justice and elevating the practice of law in Virginia.

Virginia celebrates 414 newly minted lawyers, according to July bar exam results released today by the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.

An additional 21 individuals passed the bar but have not yet completed all criteria to become licensed.

The Virginia Bar Association, continuing a tradition started in 1985, welcomes the candidates for U.S. Senate from Virginia to debate at its Summer Meeting.

Incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine, who ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination, has accepted.

Growing need from citizens who need a lawyer and can’t afford one – and an increasing number of cases that could be placed if a larger pool of lawyers volunteered to take them – mark the current state of pro bono in Virginia.

Nearly 200 takers of the February bar exam in Virginia passed the test and 131 became licensed today, the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners reported. An additional 58 test takers passed the exam but have outstanding requirements to fulfill before they can be licensed.

Sixteen of the 21 legislative proposals on the VBA's agenda have been signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. One received his recommendations.

Lawmakers reconvene April 17 to consider the governor's amendments and vetoes.

Four other VBA-backed bills did not pass both houses of the General Assembly.

Jasmine Yoon, who was born in South Korea and moved to the United States when she was 14, will be the first Asian American federal judge in Virginia. The Senate confirmed her appointment as U.S. district judge for the Western District of Virginia on March 12.

The General Assembly on March 7 elected Virginia Beach Circuit Judge Steven C. Frucci to a seat on the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Frucci will succeed retired Judge Robert J. Humphreys, with his term beginning March 16.