Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course

Part 6, § IV, ¶ 13.1, Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia

By order of the Supreme Court of Virginia, this mandatory course must be completed within twenty-four months of becoming an active lawyer in the Virginia State Bar. For lawyers admitted by bar exam, this is usually two years from the time you register with the Virginia State Bar following notice of your licensure by the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. For lawyers changing their membership class to active, the course must be completed within two years of the class change date, unless the course was completed in the past. Lawyers admitted by reciprocity or as Virginia corporate counsel must also complete the course within two years of registering with the Virginia State Bar, following being sworn in by the Supreme Court of Virginia.

This is a one-time requirement for active lawyers only, separate from the annual Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirement pursuant to Paragraph 17(C) and Paragraph 13.2.

Failure to attend this course within twenty-four months of becoming an active lawyer will result in administrative suspension of an attorney’s license, pursuant to Paragraph 19.

This course is offered six to eight times per year at various locations throughout the Commonwealth. Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly recommend registering early to secure your spot at your preferred course offering. Additional course dates will be added as details are finalized. Please check back periodically for updates.

Need to change the date of your course registration? Email your request to change dates to [email protected]. 

Upcoming Professionalism Course Dates

DateTitleLocation
Jun 04   |Harry L. Carrico Professionalism CourseVirginia Beach, VAPROF060426
Jun 17   |Professionalism Committee, Video Subcommittee MeetingVirtual, PCVID61726
Aug 13   |Harry L. Carrico Professionalism CourseFairfax, VAPROF081326
Sep 18   |Harry L. Carrico Professionalism CourseRichmond, VA091826PC
Oct 28   |Harry L. Carrico Professionalism CourseFredericksburg, VAPROF102826
Dec 01   |Harry L. Carrico Professionalism CourseRichmond, VA120126PC
Jan 22   |Harry L. Carrico Professionalism CourseFairfax, VAPROF012227
Jun 03   |Harry L. Carrico Professionalism CourseWoodford (Spotsylvania County), VAPROF060327
Aug 12   |Harry L. Carrico Professionalism CourseFairfax, VAPROF081227

Professionalism Course FAQs

If I am an associate lawyer, do I need to take the course?

No. Completion of the Professionalism Course is required only for active lawyers of the Virginia State Bar.

What is the time period for completion of the course?

The course must be completed within 24 months* of becoming an active lawyer of the Virginia State Bar. For lawyers admitted by bar exam, this is usually two years from the time you register with the Virginia State Bar following notice of your licensure by the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. Lawyers admitted by reciprocity or as Virginia corporate counsel must complete the course within two years of registering with the Virginia State Bar, following being sworn in by the Supreme Court of Virginia.

May I take any ethics course and satisfy this requirement?

No. You must take the Virginia State Bar Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course.

Is the course offered by video, webcast or teleconference?

No. You must attend the course in person.

Is the course approved for CLE credit?

Yes. The Professionalism Course is approved for 5.0 hours of continuing legal education (including 5.0 ethics) credit in Virginia. CLE approval has not been sought in other states, although many states have given credit to individual attorneys. The 5.0 hours will count toward your annual requirement of 12.0 hours (including 2.0 ethics) as an active lawyer of the bar. The MCLE year begins November 1 each year.

Will another state’s CLE course fulfill this requirement?

No. Ethics or professionalism courses offered in other states will not satisfy this requirement, but they may count toward your annual MCLE requirement of 12.0 hours (including 2 ethics).

If I do not take the course what happens?

If you have not completed the course within 24 months of becoming an active lawyer, you will receive a notice of delinquency, and you will owe an additional $50 delinquency fee. If you do not take the course in the subsequent sixty days following the notice of delinquency, you will be administratively suspended from the practice of law in Virginia. You will not be reinstated as a lawyer in good standing until you have completed the course and paid the delinquency fee of $50, as well as an additional reinstatement fee of $150.

How do I request an extension of time in which to complete the course?

If you have an extenuating circumstance that you believe hinders you from attending the course, you may request an extension. Please be aware that extension requests are very rarely granted. Special exceptions are made for out-of-state law clerks and military personnel. These requests must be directed in writing to Megan Connor at Virginia State Bar, 1111 E. Main Street, Suite 700, Richmond, VA 23219, or by email at [email protected]. 

How do I change the date of my course registration?

Email your request to change dates to [email protected]. 

Is there a dress code for the course?

Business casual attire is acceptable.

May I seek relief from this obligation under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act?

Yes, active duty Virginia lawyers stationed outside the state may be able to seek relief under the SCRA for Professionalism Course obligations by providing a copy of their orders to the VSB. Please contact [email protected] for specific requirements. (50 U.S.C. App. §§501-596, Public Law 108-189)