Mandatory Malpractice Insurance For Virginia Lawyers?

The Virginia State Bar web page has recently posted a notice of proposed new rules that would require active bar members engaged in representing clients to obtain malpractice insurance:

The proposed rule changes for Paragraphs 18 and 19, providing that allactive members of the Virginia State Bar engaged in the privatepractice of law representing clients (either individuals or entities)drawn from the general public be covered under a professional liability(malpractice) insurance policy, will be debated by the council of theVirginia State Bar at its October 17, 2008 meeting.

(Mike Frisch)