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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8-Bills and Fees

16-Lawyer's Personal Interests

58-Real Estate Lawyers

Lawyers and clients may amend fee agreements as long as they do not involve "undue influence or coercion by the lawyer." A lawyer may enforce an amended fee agreement prepared after the client in extensive litigation over a cloud on a real estate title indicated that the client could not continue to finance the litigation as originally agreed and instead offered to pay an additional $25,000 upon successful completion of the litigation "in consideration of payment not being made as originally agreed." The change from an hourly-based contract to a contingent fee agreement was not improper because: the outcome was uncertain; the client could not continue to finance the litigation otherwise; and success would produce a "res" out of which to pay the fee. The extra $25,000 to be paid upon successful completion of the litigation was based on the lawyer's agreement to delay collection of the outstanding fees until the case ended.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn