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2009 SESSION
099032328WHEREAS, lawyers have played a critical role in the history of the Commonwealth, most notably in helping Virginia and the other colonies achieve independence, expressing and then implementing the principles that to this day guide the United States, and assuring during the Civil Rights Era that America followed these principles; and
WHEREAS, many lawyers have served in the General Assembly, representing both their constituents and the ideals of their profession; and
WHEREAS, lawyers are governed by ethics rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Virginia, but these rules dictate only the minimal levels of courtesy that lawyers should show toward those with whom they deal; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Bar Association’s Commission on Professionalism prepared a set of civility standards entitled Principles of Professionalism for Virginia Lawyers, articulating a standard of conduct to which all lawyers should aspire; and
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of Virginia has endorsed Principles of Professionalism for Virginia Lawyers, and it is appropriate for all branches of Virginia's government to likewise encourage every lawyer to act with civility and professional integrity as set forth in these standards; and
WHEREAS, the professional conduct of lawyers in the Commonwealth serves as a reminder of Virginia's proud legal heritage and the respect Virginia lawyers have enjoyed in the past and should earn in the future; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Bar Association Commission on Professionalism has set April 13, 2009, to initially disseminate the Principles of Professionalism for Virginia Lawyers as widely as possible within the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, April 13, 2009, is especially appropriate, because it is the 266th anniversary of the birth of one of Virginia's finest lawyers, Thomas Jefferson; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the General Assembly commend the Virginia Bar Association Commission on Professionalism’s diligent work on the Principles of Professionalism for Virginia Lawyers and designate April 13, 2009, as Lawyer Professionalism Day in Virginia; and be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Bar Association’s Commission on Professionalism as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation of the Commission’s efforts to encourage civility among Virginia's lawyers; and, be it
RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of this day on the General Assembly's website.