These summaries were prepared by McGuireWoods LLP lawyer Thomas E. Spahn. They are based on the letter opinions issued by the Virginia State Bar. Any editorial comments reflect Mr. Spahn's current personal views, and not the opinions of the Virginia State Bar, McGuireWoods or its clients. 
 
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31-Protecting and Disclosing Confidences and Secrets

48-Criminal Defense Lawyers

A lawyer representing a personal injury plaintiff who has just settled a case learned from the client that the client was being held in jail "under an assumed name." Because the lawyer was not representing the former client in the criminal matter, the lawyer has an ethical duty not to reveal the former client's true identity unless the lawyer has "a legal duty to reveal the client's double identity or [is] in possession of insurance funds which you believe were fraudulently obtained."

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn