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
1306	8-Bills and Fees 74-Representing Associations	A lawyer may not enter into a contingent fee arrangement with a merchant's association that plans to bring collection actions on behalf of its individual members, because the automatic contingent fee arrangement between the lawyer and the intermediary (association) might prevent the lawyer and the client from considering or entering into an alternative arrangement, thus usurping the normal relationship between the lawyer and client.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn