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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4-Witness-Advocate Rule

The "substantial hardship" that justifies a lawyer's continued representation even though the lawyer must be a witness arises only: in a complex suit having been prepared over a long period of time; if hiring a new lawyer would be expensive and delay the trial; or when there is a long and extensive professional relationship in which the lawyer has acquired "extraordinary familiarity" with the client's affairs. In this case, the "substantial hardship" exception did not apply.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn