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
0323	12-Withdrawing Lawyers (Including Non-Compete Issues) 14-Ownership of Files and Attorney Lien Issues	A law firm may not withhold a client's file pending payment of a fee when the client is to be represented by an associate who leaves the firm. [This LEO is overruled by Rule 1.16(e), which governs a lawyer's duty to provide files to a former client.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn