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
1171	14-Ownership of Files and Attorney Lien Issues	A lawyer's files belongs to the client, and the lawyer must surrender the files to the client upon request. If the lawyer wants to make a copy for the lawyer's own use, the lawyer must pay for the copy and may not condition the release of the files upon receiving payment for the copy. Rule 1.16(e) governs a lawyer's duty to provide files to a former client.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn