Governance
Read VSB President Brian L. Buniva's letter to Virginia lawyers.

On Monday, September 28, 2020, the Supreme Court of Virginia issued an unanimous eleventh order in response to the COVID-19 virus, extending the judicial emergency period until November 1, 2020, for all courts in the Commonwealth.

The Court amended the rules governing third year law student law practice.

The Court Amended Three Rules and Form 10, some to take effect immediately and others on November 23.

The Court clarified the tolling of speedy trial deadlines during the pandemic.

Public comment is sought until October 2 on adding CLE credit for elimination of bias training.

Comments are again sought on clarification of the word "shall" in Rules of Court.

Fastcase, free to all VSB members, rolls out new, improved legal research platform.

The ABA launches Poll Worker, Esq. to encourage lawyers to be poll volunteers.
Discipline
William Franklin Burton, license suspended, effective September 3, 2020.
Nancy Theresa Lord, license suspended, effective September 4, 2020. 
Richard Thomas Robol, license suspended, effective September 25.
John B. Russell Jr., license suspended, effective November 1, 2021.
John Dillard Hooker Jr., public reprimand, effective September 2, 2020.
Paul Christopher Galanides, public reprimand, effective September 28, 2020.
Compliance
VSB offices are closed to the public. The Supreme Court of Virginia has extended the deadline for dues renewal from July 31, 2020, until September 30, 2020 (today). The Member Portal will be open until midnight Eastern Standard Time to accept dues payments by Visa or Mastercard. After logging into your account click on Online Membership Renewal to begin.
 
For information about upcoming MCLE deadlines visit our website here.
Pro Bono / Access to Justice
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October is National Celebrate Pro Bono Month! Consider engaging in service through a local QLSP, sign up to help address legal issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, initiate a bar association, firm, or legal department challenge on Virginia Free Legal Answers, register for the virtual VSB Annual Pro Bono Conference. Have questions about ways you can get involved? Email Crista Gantz at cgantz@vsb.org for more information.
Freddie Mac Receives 2020 Frankie Muse Freeman Pro Bono Award
Congratulations to the Freddie Mac legal department for its longstanding and tireless pro bono work on behalf of underserved Virginians. Full story here.
Bary W. Hausrath and Clifford “Chip” Clapp receive the 2020 Lewis F. Powell Jr. Pro Bono Award
Clifford “Chip” Clapp and Bary W. Hausrath have been awarded the 2020 Lewis F. Powell Jr. Pro Bono Award, given by the Standing Committee on Access to Legal Services of the Virginia State Bar to honor attorneys who have made outstanding pro bono contributions in the Commonwealth. Full story here.
Opportunities and Events
Our sections, conferences, and committees are sponsoring free CLE webinars. View a list of webinars (PDF).

Join the VLRS! Membership is free for first time participants and we send you prescreened referrals in your area and your area of practice. More information here, or contact Toni Dunson at dunson@vsb.org.

Interested in preventing malpractice claims arising from collections problems? Register for a one-hour free CLE on the topic on October 21 from 1-2 p.m. here.

The 39th Annual Trusts & Estates Seminar live webcast has 6.0 hours of CLE on October 19 from 9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. VaCLE registration.

41st Annual Construction Law and Public Contracts Seminar
November 6, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - 4:20 p.m., 6.0 (Ethics: 2.0)

Join the Joint ADR Committee – Membership in the VSB-VBA Joint Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee enhances your negotiation and ADR skills and meets your ethical obligations to counsel clients on ADR options. Dues are $25 a year for non-VBA members Renew today or sign up. The VBA provides administrative support to this joint committee and collects dues for it.
 
The Virginia Bar Association is co-hosting a live U.S. Senatorial Debate at Norfolk State University between Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and his Republican challenger, Daniel Gade, Ph.D. The 90-minute debate may be streamed live at 5 p.m. Oct. 3 on WAVY.com and on WAVY-TV 10’s Facebook Live channel.
Stay connected to your Bar:
The VSB continues to provide essential services to Virginia’s lawyers and the public.
The VSB office at 1111 E. Main Street is closed to visitors. If you need to reach a staff person, please send an email or call the appropriate contact person. Many of our staff are teleworking and responses may be delayed. Thank you for your understanding.

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