54.1-3925.1 - Proof of character and fitness required of applicant; character and fitness committee; fees. - Virginia Statutes

§ 54.1-3925.1. Proof of character and fitness required of applicant;character and fitness committee; fees.

A. Before issuing to any applicant a license or certificate to practice lawin Virginia, the Board shall have found from satisfactory evidence producedby the applicant in such form as the Board may require that the applicant isa person of honest demeanor and good moral character, is over the age ofeighteen and possesses the requisite fitness to perform the obligations andresponsibilities of a practicing attorney at law.

B. In making such determinations, the Board shall conduct such furtherinquiries, interviews and hearings as the Board may deem necessary. At therequest of the Board, the Supreme Court may appoint a separate character andfitness committee, some of the members of which may be persons who are notlicensed attorneys, to assist in reviewing character and fitness evidence andto make recommendations to the Board based upon standards adopted by theBoard; however, no applicant shall be denied a license on character andfitness reasons except by action of a majority of the Board, after notice tothe applicant and an opportunity for the applicant to be heard before theBoard.

C. The Board shall from time to time set character and fitness applicationfees sufficient to cover the costs of the character and fitness process.

(1992, c. 734; 1998, c. 796.)