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. 
 
 Back to main menu

  Print This Leo
LEO NumTopicsSummary
1610

print
62-Representing Joint Ventures

A law firm represents a joint venture comprised of three companies. The firm "has never had any contact with any employees of [one co-venturer], nor does it have any familiarity with [that co-venturer's] corporate structure or workings." The firm may therefore represent another client adverse to the co-venturer, because there is no attorney-client relationship between the law firm and the co-venturer. The Bar explains that "the joint venture is an entity distinct from the individual members," citing ABA LEO 361 and earlier LEOs applying this "entity-representation rationale" to a homeowner's association (LEO 1168) and a partnership (LEO 1458).

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn