This Virginia State Bar is mindful of protecting the reputation of lawyers in the state and discourages any behavior that might lead to a public distrust of the legal profession or legal system in general. Deceptive advertising is one of the behaviors that could hinder the reputation of lawyers and the legal system, so the Virginia State Bar enacted certain regulations to ensure legal advertising is both factual and informative. The purpose of legal advertisements under Virginia law is to “inform the public of the availability of competent, independent legal counsel.” Advertising should be...

Personal bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person is released from the obligation to pay most or all of his or her accrued debt. A declaration of bankruptcy stops creditors from trying to collect debts at least until the law has sorted them out. Bankruptcy is not the right step for everyone who is in debt. The requirements and the consequences mean that careful consideration should go into any decision to seek individual bankruptcy relief. For example, bankruptcy information (both the date of your filing and the later date of discharge) stays on your credit report for 10 years, and...