(j) Brevity is enjoined as the outstanding characteristic of good pleading. In any

pleading a simple statement, in numbered paragraphs, of the essential facts is sufficient. (k) A party asserting either a claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim or a defense may plead alternative facts and theories of recovery against alternative parties, provided that such claims, defenses, or demands for relief so joined arise out of the same transaction or occurrence. When two or more statements are made in the alternative and one of them if made independently would be sufficient, the pleading is not made insufficient by the insufficiency of one or more of the alternative statements. A party may also state as many separate claims or defenses as he has regardless of consistency and whether based on legal or equitable grounds. (l) Every pleading, motion or other paper served or filed must contain at the foot the Virginia State Bar number, office address and telephone number of the counsel of record submitting it, along with any electronic mail (E-mail) address and facsimile number regularly used for business purposes by such counsel of record. Last amended by Order dated June 21, 2024; effective August 20, 2024. RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA PART ONE RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL PROCEEDINGS