2011 Code of Virginia
Title 54.1 PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS.
Chapter 39 Attorneys (54.1-3900 thru 54.1-3944)
54.1-3916 Legal aid societies

54.1-3916. Legal aid societies.

A. The Virginia State Bar through its governing body is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations governing the function and operation of legal aid societies to further the objective of providing legal assistance to persons requiring such assistance but unable to pay for it. To the extent that interest is paid by a financial institution on client funds deposited by attorneys or law firms in pooled interest bearing accounts established and maintained under circumstances which do not conflict with 54.1-3915.1, any interest earned on such accounts shall be paid by the financial institution periodically, but at least quarterly, to the Legal Services Corporation of Virginia.

B. The rules and regulations adopted under subsection A may be enforced by the Virginia State Bar, or by the Attorney General if so authorized by the Virginia State Bar.

C. It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, firm, corporation or other organization to render legal services as a legal aid society, or for any attorney to render legal services at the instance or request of any such person, firm, corporation or organization unless the person, firm, corporation or organization complies with the rules and regulations adopted under subsection A hereof. In addition to the criminal penalty, an injunction shall lie to prevent any violation of this section or rule or regulation adopted hereunder.

(1956, Ex. Sess., c. 47; 1958, c. 253; 1988, c. 765; 1995, c. 93.)