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.

LEO Num	Topics	Summary
0431	14-Ownership of Files and Attorney Lien Issues	A lawyer who maintains files has a property right in the files themselves, although the client has a "paramount right" to the information in the files. If requested, a lawyer should retain originals but may charge the client for copying other materials given to the client. [Rule 1.16(e) governs a lawyer's duty to provide files to a former client.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn