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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1390

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8-Bills and Fees

16-Lawyer's Personal Interests

27-Litigation Tactics (Including Misrepresentations, Tape Recordings)

73-Family Law Lawyers

A divorce client grants a deed of trust on the marital home to a lawyer to secure the payment of attorneys' fees. Because the divorce has not been concluded and the spouses are quarreling over their interests in the house, this arrangement impermissibly gives the lawyer a proprietary interest in the divorce action and may not be cured by consent.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn