A New River Valley judge has taken the unusual step of barring a Christiansburg lawyer from practicing law in his judicial circuit.

Circuit Judge Joey Showalter issued an order Sept. 13 barring Gerard Marks from practicing in the 27th Circuit "until further notice."

The order gives no reason for Showalter's decision.

Showalter couldn't be reached for comment, and Marks didn't return messages left at his office.

Marks' office in Oak Tree Park has been closed during business hours in recent days.

According to the Virginia State Bar, no public disciplinary action has been taken against Marks.

"All complaints are considered confidential until such time as public discipline is imposed or a public hearing has been scheduled," Assistant Clerk Justine Good wrote in an e-mail.

The 27th Circuit includes Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski and Wythe counties and the city of Radford.

-- Shawna Morrison