News and Updates   

In the 2024 General Assembly session, the VBA has a robust agenda of 21 items in its legislative package. These advance the VBA goals of promoting access to justice and elevating the practice of law in Virginia.

The group the proposals came from and brief titles of the bills follow.

The Virginia Bar Association welcomes newly minted attorneys with a free membership for the first year in practice. Jump-start your law career by joining the VBA. Create your profile today and get involved with the first and largest statewide voluntary bar association.

Beginning with cases presented at Oct. 17 writ panels, the Supreme Court of Virginia will increase compensation for court-appointed counsel in appeals of criminal convictions and termination of parental rights.

"By integrating our practices, we're strengthening our ability to provide comprehensive solutions to the complex legal challenges faced by health care providers today," said Michael L. Goodman, a founding partner of Goodman Allen Donnelly and an active member of The Virginia Bar Association.

Beginning July 1, court-appointed counsel in criminal appeals will see revised compensation, the Court of Appeals of Virginia announced.

The difference in compensation recognizes that counsel must prepare all cases for full merit review.

The Fellows Program of the Virginia Law Foundation is accepting confidential digital nominations from peers of potential 2024 Fellows. Nominations close June 15.

The program, not affiliated with the VBA, recognizes excellence in the practice of law and meaningful engagement in public service by members of the Virginia State Bar.

A total of 146 aspiring lawyers passed the February 2023 Virginia bar examination. Of them, 79 completed all admission requirements and have been licensed to practice law, according to the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.

In an email sent to VBA members March 1, Legislative Counsel Eric Link provided an update on the VBA's legislative agenda. He wrote:

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die, concluding the 2023 regular session. The General Assembly is sending several hundred bills to Gov. Glenn Youngkin for his signature, amendment or veto by March 27.

Two bills in the VBA legislative agenda are on their way to the governor as a legislation advances in a flurry of activity.

The VBA's legislative team at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP will champion several proposals from VBA sections and the affiliated Boyd-Graves Conference through the 2023 Virginia General Assembly. The team also will collaborate on initiatives from the affiliated Virginia Family Law Coalition.