This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
Virginia does not have a rule that matches this ABA Model Rule. This means Virginia lawyers are not held to a specific, standalone rule requiring them to make reasonable efforts to speed up litigation.
That said, this doesn't mean lawyers in Virginia can drag out cases without consequence. Other rules and court procedures still apply, and judges have their own tools to keep cases moving, such as scheduling orders and deadlines. Lawyers who cause unnecessary delays may still face problems under different rules, like those covering diligence or fairness to the court, even without this specific rule on the books.
If you're involved in a case in Virginia and feel like things are moving too slowly, you may need to look at other rules or talk to the court directly about scheduling, since this particular rule won't apply.
