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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14-Ownership of Files and Attorney Lien Issues

39-Miscellaneous

A lawyer need not maintain a clients' files indefinitely. Before destroying a file, the lawyer should offer to return any original documents or other client property, and should not destroy any documents the client might later need. The Bar apparently did not provide specific guidance on whether the documents should be shredded or incinerated.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn