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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LEO NumTopicsSummary
1378

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17-Fraud on the Tribunal

31-Protecting and Disclosing Confidences and Secrets

73-Family Law Lawyers

A lawyer formerly represented a divorce client in negotiating a separation and property agreement. The former client later declares bankruptcy, and the lawyer knows that the former client has failed to include property on his bankruptcy petition. The Bar held that the lawyer could reveal this fact because "it is information contained in the property settlement between the parties which was not created with any expectation of confidentiality and therefore does not constitute a secret." [This LEO was overruled by LEO 1643.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn