Professionalism Course—Fairfax

Thursday, August 12, 2027

8 am–4 pm

Location:
George Mason University Johnson Center
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030

Registration for this event will open August 2026.

This course is required of all newly ACTIVE members, including members admitted by reciprocity, as Virginia Corporate Counsel, and those reactivating their license. The program will be taught by a select faculty of prominent Virginia lawyers and judges appointed by Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn. The curriculum will focus on the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct and lawyers' broader ethical obligations to their clients, to the judicial system, and to society. Failure to attend the course within the compliance deadline may ultimately result in the administrative suspension of a lawyer's license.

By order of the Supreme Court of Virginia, this mandatory course must be completed within twenty-four months of becoming an Active member of the Virginia State Bar. For members 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. Members 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 members 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 the compliance period may result in administrative suspension of an attorney’s license, pursuant to Paragraph 19.

Details

PROGRAM:
The day of the course, check-in will open at 8 am with the program beginning at 8:30 am. The program includes a luncheon and will conclude at 4 pm. Do not make travel plans before 4 pm. Specific dates and locations for the program are attached.

MCLE:
The course is approved for 5.0 live ethics hours of MCLE credit.

REGISTRATION:
Registration is available unless closed. Be sure your course selection falls within your compliance period. You will receive an email as confirmation of your registration. Should you need to reschedule your attendance, you may do so up to one week before the program at no charge by contacting the course coordinator at [email protected]. If you reschedule less than one week prior to the program, there will be a $25 fee.

FEE:
If you are newly admitted by exam, the registration fee is $200. If you are admitted as Virginia Corporate Counsel, by reciprocity, or newly activating your membership, the registration fee is $225. Online registration is NOT available for those members with a course fee credit on their record.

SPECIAL/DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS:
Each hotel has indicated that its facilities are accessible to persons who may need accommodations. Please email the course coordinator if you require any accommodation to facilitate your participation in the program or the luncheon. The Virginia State Bar complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Additional details regarding the course and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the VSB website

Note: You must view this page while logged in to your VSB member account to register.