Written by: Michael Phillips
WOODSTOCK, VA - Bradley Glenn Pollack, a prominent county supervisor in Shenandoah, Virginia, has had his law license suspended, according to an order issued by the Circuit Court of Shenandoah County. The decision, effective on September 1, 2023, comes as the latest in a series of professional setbacks for Pollack.
The order was issued after a back-and-forth legal process that saw the Supreme Court of Virginia affirm a suspension decision made by the Shenandoah County Circuit Court on August 9, 2022.
Initially, the Supreme Court had stayed the execution of the suspension, but an order entered in June 2023 lifted the stay. However, it did not set the period of suspension immediately, instead remanding the case to the Circuit Court to determine the effective date of the suspension.
Under the terms of the court order, Pollack's law license will be suspended for six months, beginning on September 1, 2023. During the period of suspension, Pollack must engage a certified public accountant licensed in Virginia, who will issue a report every six months verifying that his trust account complies with Rule 1.15 of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct.
Failure to comply with the terms of the order, or if it's found that Pollack's trust account is not in compliance with the rule, could result in a Certification for Sanctions Determination, as stipulated by the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
In addition to the suspension, Pollack must inform all of his current clients, opposing attorneys, and presiding judges in pending litigation about the suspension of his license. He is also required to make arrangements for the disposition of the matters in his care as per his clients' wishes.
Pollack has been given 14 days from the effective date of the suspension to notify the relevant parties and 45 days to arrange the disposition of matters. Proof of such notice and arrangements must be furnished to the Virginia State Bar (VSB) within 60 days of the suspension.
Should Pollack not have any active client matters on the suspension's effective date, he must submit an affidavit to the VSB stating the same.
The order comes after Pollack faced criticism from a visiting judge in Augusta County, who expressed concern over Pollack accepting new clients. The case, along with the recent order, raises questions about legal ethics and governance at the local level.
The circumstances surrounding this suspension serve as a reminder of the professional responsibility lawyers hold, even when they hold public office. As the story develops, this publication will continue to provide updates on any further legal or political implications for Pollack.
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