Office of Chief Staff Attorney
About
The Office of Chief Staff Attorney performs several functions. First, the members of the Office of Chief Staff Attorney review all cases assigned to the Office for compliance with the Court’s procedural rules. Cases involving noncompliance with the Court’s procedural rules are presented to a Panel of Justices for consideration of disposition on procedural grounds. Second, Staff Attorneys assist the Court by providing in each appealed case, for consideration by a Panel of Justices, an analysis of the procedural history, issues, relevant facts and incidents of trial, the legal arguments propounded by the parties, and a recommendation for whether the petition for appeal should be granted or refused. Third, in cases filed in the Court's original jurisdiction, the Staff Attorneys prepare a proposed order addressing the issues in the case, all of which are presented to a Panel of Justices for consideration. Fourth, from time to time, the Staff Attorneys assist the Justices with rule drafting and special research and writing projects as the Justices may request. And, finally, the Office of the Chief Staff Attorney frequently participates in Court sponsored study commissions or training programs intended to improve the administration of justice.
The Staff Attorneys in the Office of Chief Staff Attorney, for conflict of interest reasons, are not permitted to engage in the outside practice of law. Therefore, Staff Attorneys cannot provide legal advice to litigants with cases pending before the Court or other persons seeking legal assistance about their specific cases or legal problems.
Contact Information
- Chief Staff Attorney - K. Lorraine Lord
Phone - (804) 786-2259
History
In the late 1960’s, the rate of filings of appeals and petitions for writs of habeas corpus in the Supreme Court of Virginia increased dramatically. To meet the increased caseload, the Court created the position of Special Assistant to the Court to help process cases, and subsequently authorized the employment of a few Law Clerks by the Special Assistant to assist in case processing. In January 1979, the Court renamed the position of Special Assistant to the Chief Staff Attorney, and authorized the appointment of additional Law Clerks. In January 2002, further changes were made to the way the office operates. Among other things, the temporary Law Clerk positions were converted to full-time Staff Attorney positions, resulting in experienced attorneys assisting in the processing of cases filed with the Court. In addition, Staff Attorney specialist positions were created to provide expert assistance in key office functions. These positions include an Original Jurisdiction Supervisor, to assist in the production and review of habeas corpus and other original jurisdiction orders, and a Procedure Supervisor, to assist the Justices in reviewing filings for compliance with the Rules of Court, and a Special Projects Supervisor.
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