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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22-Interviews with Prospective Clients

73-Family Law Lawyers

A lawyer interviewed about a possible divorce case by a wife may not represent the husband in a divorce case the wife brings three years later unless the wife consents. According to the Bar, "a potential client's initial consultation with an attorney creates an expectation of confidentiality which must be protected by the attorney even where no attorney-client relationship arises in other respects," although "the law firm may have an obligation to put the prospective client on notice that no attorney-client relationship exists between the firm and the prospective client until the firm accepts the engagement."

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn