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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0465

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14-Ownership of Files and Attorney Lien Issues
A lawyer may retain a client's documents pending payment of the lawyer's fees if it would not prejudice the client and the client is not otherwise legally entitled to possession of the property. [This LEO was overruled by Rule 1.16(e), which governs a lawyer's duty to provide files to a former client.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn