Virginia Board of Bar Examiners records, 1910-1970

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Extent:
29.85 cu. ft. (71 boxes)
Creator:
Virginia. Board of Bar Examiners
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Records, 1910-1970, including applications and subject files of the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. The collection is arranged into two series: Series I: Correspondence and subject files; and Series II: Applications. Included are applications, correspondence, financial records, minutes, reports, and subject files, documenting the work of the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.

Biographical / historical:

The Virginia Board of Bar Examiners was established by an act of the General Assembly approved March 14, 1910. Prior to this time, lawyers were admitted to the bar by the judges of the courts in which they intended to practice. The act of 1910 provided for the appointment by the Governor of a Board of Examiners to license lawyers. The Board served under the auspices of the Supreme Court of Appeals. The Board became a separate department in March 1972, when it was placed under the Supreme Court of Virginia. The five member board is appointed by the Chief Justice for a five year term; the Board elects one of its members to serve as its president. The Board is responsible for determining the qualifications of applicants who wish to take the bar examination. The applicants may be graduates of law schools, or they may have "read for the bar." The Board is directly involved in preparing, conducting, and grading the examinations to satisfy the requirements. The bar examination is given twice each calendar year. The Board of Bar Examiners also has the power to revoke, for good cause, a license issued.

Acquisition information:
Transferred on 18 August 1980 from the State Board of Bar Examiners, Richmond, Va. 23220 [Acc. 30885].
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into two series:

  • Series I: Correspondence and subject files, 1910-1970
  • Series II: Applications, 1913-1950