On Monday, February 23, 2026, the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board suspended attorney James Anthony Bullard, Jr.’s license to practice law for six months. The decision was reached telephonically by the board.
The disciplinary action stems from two separate cases involving professional misconduct. One case, VSB Docket No. 25-031-135853, involves Robert Atkins, whom Bullard was hired to represent in March 2023 for felony hit and run and misdemeanor obstruction charges. According to the VSB investigation, Bullard failed to maintain a written representation agreement with Atkins, did not keep proper records of fees paid, and disbursed unearned fees before completing representation. Bullard also neglected to inform Atkins about his departure from the country, which affected his ability to represent Atkins at trial.
The second case, VSB Docket No. 26-031-136594, concerns John Argue, who hired Bullard in May 2024 for multiple charges related to controlled substances. Similar to the Atkins case, Bullard did not have a written agreement with Argue and failed to deposit Argue’s payments into a trust account. Bullard also neglected to maintain proper records of the fees paid. Bullard advised Argue that he was stuck in Africa and could no longer represent him. Bullard failed to appear in court on July 18, 2025, and did not communicate with Argue about the status of his case.
The Virginia State Bar found Bullard’s conduct in both cases violated several Rules of Professional Conduct, including those related to communication, fees, safekeeping property, and declining or terminating representation. The board has ordered Bullard to notify his clients, opposing attorneys, and presiding judges about his suspension. He must also make arrangements for the disposition of his cases and provide proof of these notifications to the Clerk of the Disciplinary System within sixty days of the effective date.
Bullard is also required to submit an affidavit if he is not handling any client matters on the effective date of the suspension.
According to Avvo, Mr. Bullard is a criminal defense lawyer in Richmond, VA. He acquired his law license in Virginia in 1999.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
