Effective January 1, 2020, the Supreme Court of Appeals approved State Bar Administrative Rule 11 concerning Legal Corporations. Any legal corporation approved under Rule 11 to provide professional services in West Virginia shall comply with the requirements of the Rule. Click here for Rule 11 Application
Also, effective January 1, 2020, the Supreme Court approved State Bar Administrative Rule 12 concerning Limited Liability Organizations. Administrative Rule 12.04(b) requires each limited liability entity engaged in the practice of law to carry $1 million in professional liability insurance for the “satisfaction of judgments against the limited liability organization and its partners or members.” See also W.Va. Code §31B-13-1305(e). If the required insurance has lapsed, the limited liability organization becomes ineligible to continue providing legal services and its authorization to transact business in the State may be terminated by the Office of the Secretary of State. Click here for Rule 12 Application
Due to COVID-19, the State Bar was unable to implement all the requirements of Rules 11 and 12 in 2020. The State Bar has renewed its collaborative relationship with the Office of the Secretary of State and anticipates that the requirements will be in full force and effect by January of 2022.
In order to be in compliance with all the requirements of Rule 11 or Rule 12, each organization subject to the respective rules should, as soon as practicable, review the Rule requirements and file a renewal application, along with the required documentation.
CLICK HERE to renew your organization and bring it into compliance. Questions regarding Rules 11 and 12 may be directed to caseya@wvbar.org. Technical questions regarding applications and renewals may be directed to mellacem@wvbar.org.
