On Friday, September 27, 2024, the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board issued a Rule to Show Cause and Order of Summary Suspension and Hearing against attorney Matthew Taylor Morris.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Matthew Taylor Morris,” with case no. 25-000-133208.
The order stemmed from Morris’s guilty plea in federal court on September 24, 2024, to charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Marijuana. Morris pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division.
As a result of the federal conviction, which constitutes a crime under the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, the Disciplinary Board issued an interim suspension of Morris’ license to practice law in Virginia, effective October 1, 2024.
The order also required Morris to appear before the Board at a hearing set for October 25, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia. Morris was ordered to show cause at that hearing why his law license should not be further suspended or revoked.
Additionally, the order mandated that Morris promptly notify his clients and opposing counsel of the suspension and make arrangements for pending legal matters to be handled by others. Morris was given 14 days to provide such notice and 45 days to complete case transitions. He must also furnish proof of compliance with these requirements within 60 days.
The Disposition states:
“It is ORDERED, pursuant to the Rules of Court, Part 6, Section I V, Paragraph 13-22, that the license of Matthew Taylor Morris to practice law within the Commonwealth of Virginia be, and the same is, hereby SUSPENDED, October 1, 2024.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Morris is a criminal defense attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He attended the Regent University School of Law, graduating in 2012. He acquired his law license in Virginia in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
