What is the VBA? Here are some answers.

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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. Attorneys choose to be members of The Virginia Bar Association.

The Virginia State Bar is a state agency under the Supreme Court of Virginia. The VSB is in charge of:

• Licensing
• Discipline
• Complaints
• Continuing legal education

Attorneys must be licensed by the Virginia State Bar to practice law in Virginia. Lawyers admitted to practice in Virginia must register and pay dues to the VSB.

2. How do I choose an attorney? Can you give me a referral?

The Virginia Bar Association can point you to several groups that provide referral services. The VBA does not aid individuals in the selection of attorneys or offer referrals. See find a lawyer.

3. Where can I get pro bono assistance?

Pro bono assistance is available to help low-income individuals solve legal problems. Legal Services offices across the state provide this attorneys to help with civil matters. Call 1-866-534-5243 to reach your local legal aid office and confirm your eligibility.

4. Where can I get information as a self-represented litigant?

Try the Virginia Judicial System Court Self-Help Website at https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/. A project of the Virginia Access to Justice Commission, the website provides neutral legal information as a public service in topical areas commonly sought by self-represented litigants. Examples include traffic tickets, divorce, and landlord and tenant issues.

5. How do I file a complaint against an attorney?

Complaints are handled by the Virginia State Bar, the state agency responsible for licensing and disciplining attorneys in Virginia. The Virginia State Bar can be reached by telephone at 804-775-0500 or 1-866-548-0873 outside the 804 area code, by mail at 1111 E. Main St., Suite 700, Richmond, VA 23219, or online at vsb.org. Find additional details on the VSB website.

6. How can I check the background of a lawyer I want to hire?

The Virginia State Bar can confirm whether an attorney is licensed to practice in Virginia as well as any public discipline or suspension. You can try the Virginia lawyer directory, call 804-775-0530 or send an email to membership@vsb.org

7. How are attorneys licensed in Virginia?

Attorneys must be licensed by the Virginia State Bar to practice law in Virginia. Find details online at vsb.org or call 804-775-0500. The VSB mailing address is 1111 E. Main St., Suite 700, Richmond, VA 23219. Before initial admission to the bar in Virginia, prospective lawyers take the bar examination. The Virginia Board of Bar Examiners is responsible for administering the bar exam. Reach the VBBE at 804-367-0412. The mailing address is 2201 W. Broad St., Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23220.

8. Where can I get information about the "reading the law" program?

Information about the Law Reader program, an alternative form of legal education, is available from the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. Call 804-367-0412 or write to 2201 W. Broad St., Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23220.

9. How do I sign up for the Bar Exam?

Find details at barexam.virginia.gov. The Virginia Board of Bar Examiners is responsible for administering the Bar Exam, and can be reached at 804-367-0412, or 2201 W. Broad St., Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23220.

10. What law schools are located in Virginia?

Antonin Scalia School of Law at George Mason University
3301 Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22201
703-993-8000

Appalachian School of Law
1221 Edgewater Drive
Grundy, VA 24614
1-800-895-7411

College of William & Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law
613 S. Henry St.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-221-3800

Liberty University School of Law
Lynchburg, VA 24515
434-592-5300

Regent University School of Law
1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
1-877-267-5072

University of Richmond School of Law
28 Westhampton Way
Richmond, VA 23173
804-289-8740

University of Virginia Law School
580 Massie Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
434-924-7354

Washington and Lee School of Law
Sydney Lewis Hall
Lexington, VA 24450
540-458-8400