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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68-Lawyers Acting as Mediators

73-Family Law Lawyers

As long as the clients consent, a lawyer may provide "legal information" (as opposed to advice) to both parties as part of a mediation arrangement or an uncontested divorce; payment by the mediation service to the lawyer would not be per se unethical but the lawyer must be very careful to avoid ethical violations. [Rule 2.11 deals with lawyers acting as mediators.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn