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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5-Lawyers Changing Jobs

8-Bills and Fees

A lawyer works for 2 1/2 years representing a plaintiff in a contingent fee personal injury case. The client then discharges the lawyer and agrees to pay the lawyer on a "quantum meruit" basis. The client asks for a total of the fees owed, but the discharged lawyer wants to wait until settlement or trial. The lawyer must furnish the former client the "basis or rate" of the quantum meruit fee, but the Bar indicates that the timing of the disclosure is a matter of law beyond the Bar's jurisdiction.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn