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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16-Lawyer's Personal Interests

60-Lawyers Acting as Trustees

61-Lawyers Acting as Executors

76-Trust and Estate Lawyers

A lawyer may not prepare a trust for a godparent (not a blood relative) under which the lawyer is an ultimate beneficiary, even if the lawyer and the godmother "maintained a mother/daughter-like relationship for nearly thirty years." However, it is not per se improper for the lawyer to serve as executor or trustee. [Under Rule 1.10(a), this disqualification is now imputed to the lawyer's entire firm.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn