Supreme Court of Virginia Approves Amendments to Part 6, Section IV, Paragraph 13

October 2, 2025

Ordered on October 2, 2025, and effective December 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of Virginia approved the Virginia State Bar’s petition to amend the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Part 6, Section IV, Paragraph 13—Procedure for Disciplining, Suspending, and Disbarring Attorneys.

Read the Court's Order.

Proposed Amendments to Part 6, Section IV, Paragraph 13 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia

June 25, 2025

At its meeting on June 12, 2025, in Virginia Beach, the Virginia State Bar Council approved proposed amendments to the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Part 6, Section IV, Paragraph 13—Procedure for Disciplining, Suspending, and Disbarring Attorneys. A petition will be sent to the Supreme Court of Virginia for approval. A petition was sent to the Supreme Court of Virginia for approval on July 24, 2025.

View petition to the Court. (posted 7/31/25)

VSB Seeks Public Comment on Amendments to Part 6, Section IV, Paragraph 13 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia

April 10, 2025

The Virginia State Bar seeks public comment on proposed amendments to the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Part 6, Section IV, Paragraph 13—Procedure for Disciplining, Suspending, and Disbarring Attorneys

The Committee on Lawyer Discipline (“COLD”) has proposed:

1. Amendments to conform Paragraph 13 to Va. Code § 54.1-3935.A. by adding a specific mechanism for Bar Counsel to elect a three-judge circuit court for each type of disciplinary proceeding. The amendments propose the equivalent mechanisms and deadlines already in place for respondents.

Paragraph 13-16.B. District Committee Proceedings. Response by Respondent Required and Optional Demand for Three-Judge Circuit Court.
Paragraph 13-17.A. Perfecting an Appeal of a District Committee Determination by the Respondent. Notice of Appeal. Demand.
Paragraph 13-18.A. Board Proceedings Upon Certification. Response by Respondent Required and Optional Demand for Three-Judge Circuit Court.
Paragraph 13-18.D. Board Proceedings Upon Certification. Expedited Hearings.
Paragraph 13-20.F. Board Proceedings Upon Certification for Sanction Determination. Optional Demand for Three-Judge Circuit Court.
Paragraph 13-21.C. Board Proceedings Upon a First Offender Plea. Optional Demand for Three-Judge Circuit Court.
Paragraph 13-22.F. Board Proceedings Upon a Guilty Plea or an Adjudication of a Crime. Optional Demand for Three-Judge Circuit Court.
Paragraph 13-24.I. Board Proceedings Upon Disbarment, Revocation or Suspension in Another Jurisdiction. Optional Demand for Three-Judge Circuit Court.
Paragraph 13-25.G. Proceedings for Reinstatement. Reinstatement Proceedings After a Revocation.
Paragraph 13-29.B. Duties of Disbarred or Suspended Respondent. Optional Demand for Three-Judge Circuit Court.

2. Amendments to Paragraph 13-16.X. District Committee Proceedings. Sanctions. The amendments clarify that a three-judge circuit court sitting in lieu of a district committee may impose a suspension or revocation of an attorney’s license if the three-judge circuit court finds misconduct. In contrast, the maximum sanction a district committee may impose is a public reprimand.

3. Amendments to Paragraph 13-18.M. Board Proceedings Upon Certification. Disposition Upon a Finding of Misconduct. The proposed amendments 1) eliminate restrictions on imposition of terms for suspensions of one-year or less and 2) conform the disciplinary board and district committee procedures regarding request for and consideration of a respondent’s disciplinary record.

Inspection and Comment

The proposed rule is available at the link below.

Any individual, business, or other entity may submit written comments in support of or in opposition to the proposed rule amendments with Cameron M. Rountree, executive director of the Virginia State Bar, not later than May 10, 2025. Comments may be submitted via email to [email protected].

View proposed amendments to Paragraph 13 (pdf)