Delegate Sam Rasoul Joins Roanoke Law Firm

The House of Delegates representative has joined Fishwick and Associates as an associate attorney.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a heavy door handle on a stone wall, representing the start of a professional legal career. — Delegate Sam Rasoul has joined the Roanoke law firm Fishwick and Associates as an associate attorney following his admission to the bar. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Delegate Sam Rasoul has joined the Roanoke law firm Fishwick and Associates as an associate attorney. Rasoul recently earned his license to practice law in Virginia after passing the bar exam in October 2026.

Why it matters

Rasoul stated he pursued his law degree to better assist individuals navigating the legal system. He intends to focus his legal practice on criminal defense and civil rights advocacy.

Rasoul passed the Virginia bar exam in October 2026 after completing a part-time, year-round hybrid program. He graduated from the University of Dayton law program in May 2026.

The players

Sam Rasoul

He is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates who has represented the Roanoke area since 2014.

John Fishwick

He is an attorney who served as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia from 2015 to 2017.

Fishwick and Associates

This is a law firm based in Roanoke that has recently hired Sam Rasoul as an associate.

The details

Before entering the legal profession, Rasoul began his tenure representing Roanoke in the House of Delegates in 2014. He will work alongside John Fishwick, who served as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia from 2015 to 2017.

Rasoul began representing Roanoke in the House of Delegates in 2014.
Fishwick served as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia from 2015 to 2017.
Rasoul started law school in 2022.
Rasoul graduated from the University of Dayton in May 2026.
Rasoul took the bar exam in July 2026.

Political Context

Opponents or ethics watchdogs may scrutinize the dual roles of a sitting legislator also working as a criminal defense attorney. This arrangement highlights the ongoing debate regarding potential conflicts of interest for public officials in private practice.

Constituents in Roanoke may see their representative balancing his legislative duties with his new responsibilities at Fishwick and Associates. This change could influence his availability for local legislative outreach and office hours.

The takeaway

Rasoul enters the legal field while maintaining his long-standing role as a state representative. His career shift reflects an effort to integrate his legislative advocacy with direct representation in the court system.