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.

LEO Num	Topics	Summary
1403	12-Withdrawing Lawyers (Including Non-Compete Issues) 14-Ownership of Files and Attorney Lien Issues 38-Fee Splitting	A law firm may not prohibit a withdrawing associate from contacting any of the firm's clients until they decide on counsel, because such a rule would restrict the withdrawing lawyer's right to practice. Likewise, the law firm may not declare that all client files belong to the firm and that the withdrawing associate must share fees with the law firm.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn