Requesters’ Rights and the Virginia State Bar’s Responsibilities
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and media representatives’ access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.
A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, electronic file, audio or video recording, or any other format — that is prepared, owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees, or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.
VFOIA’s purpose is to promote increased awareness of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, VFOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.
The Virginia State Bar (VSB) has a designated VFOIA Officer to whom requests for records should be sent and who can answer questions regarding the VSB’s processing of VFOIA requests or direct you to external resources to address other questions. Contact the VFOIA Officer at: [email protected].
Submit a VFOIA Request