On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Fourth District, Section II Subcommittee of the Virginia State Bar issued a public reprimand against attorney Bruce Allen Johnson, Jr. The decision follows a meeting where the Subcommittee approved the reprimand based on an agreed disposition.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Bruce Allen Johnson, Jr.,” with case no. 24-042-131307.
Johnson faced disciplinary action due to a failure to report a prior sanction imposed by the Maryland Supreme Court. In February 2024, Johnson received a 60-day suspension of his law license in Maryland due to ethical misconduct. This sanction resulted from a joint petition submitted by Johnson and the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission, which allowed for a stay of the suspension in favor of twelve months of probation.
The Subcommittee’s findings indicate that Johnson did not inform the Virginia State Bar about the Maryland disciplinary action within the required 60-day period, nor did he report it at all. This omission is a violation of Virginia’s Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 8.3, which mandates that attorneys disclose any disciplinary actions taken against them by other jurisdictions.
The public reprimand issued by the Subcommittee does not carry any additional terms but serves as a formal acknowledgment of Johnson’s misconduct. The decision underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to professional conduct standards within the legal profession.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Johnson is a criminal defense attorney in Bowie, Maryland. He attended the University of Maryland School of Law, graduating in 1992. He acquired his law license in Virginia in 1994.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
