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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17-Fraud on the Tribunal

54-Insurance Defense Lawyers

An insurance company's lawyer learned that a personal injury plaintiff had fraudulently obtained a driver's license after several DUI convictions, and used an assumed name in a court appearance. The lawyer offered to settle the personal injury case for a nuisance amount in return for not revealing these facts. Because the plaintiff had admitted this fraud upon the tribunal, the lawyer may not enter into what would be a "potentially illegal agreement," but instead must "promptly reveal the fraud to the tribunal."

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn