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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2-Adversity to Former Clients

16-Lawyer's Personal Interests

A lawyer may represent someone adverse to a former client who did not pay the lawyer, as long as the "matters are not related and no secrets or confidences were obtained" by the lawyer. The lawyer must obtain the new client's consent before representing the client in the bankruptcy proceeding of the former client, because the lawyer (who is also a creditor of the bankrupt estate) has a personal interest adverse to the client.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn