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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3-Multiple Representations on the Same Matter

44-Conflicts - Miscellaneous

A lawyer represented five plaintiffs in obtaining five separate judgments against a defendant and his wife. Three of the plaintiffs wanted to jointly sue to enforce their judgments. An enforcement suit would begin a new representation, and therefore the lawyer was not obligated to represent all five of the original plaintiffs. However, the lawyer still must protect the five original plaintiffs' interests and should advise them of the enforcement procedures and any time limits. The lawyer may represent "several creditors against a single debtor provided that, after full disclosure to each creditor, all creditors consented to the multiple representation and concurred as to the distribution of any funds collected should the amount be inadequate to pay fully each creditor's claim."

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn