OMG. People. Va is shall issue. Sheriff has nothing to do with issuing your permits. No atty needed as long as no DUIs or DV.
A state being a "shall Issue" state has absolutely nothing to do with what agency issues the permit. In VA according to PEF's link, "Virginia Resident Concealed Handgun Permits are issued by the
circuit court of the county or city in which the applicant resides."
In Florida, permits are issued by the
Department of Agriculture. In most other states, permits are issued by the sheriff's department or state police.
As far as the OP's question:
Virginia State Police - Resident Concealed Handgun Permits
"If Your Application is Denied – Section 18.2-308.08 Any order denying issuance of the permit shall state the basis for the denial of the permit and the applicant's right to and the requirements for perfecting an appeal of such order.
Upon denial of the application, the clerk shall provide the person with notice, in writing, of his right to an ore tenus hearing. Upon request of the applicant made within 21 days, the court shall place the matter on the docket for an ore tenus hearing. The applicant may be represented by counsel, but counsel shall not be appointed, and the rules of evidence shall apply. The final order of the court shall include the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law."