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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1718

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20-Government Official Conflicts

"[I]t is not ethically permissible for a law firm to represent a client in a matter before a governing body when one of the law firm's lawyers is a member of the governing body even if he/she discloses the conflict and abstains from participation and voting in the matter." [This rule was expanded in LEO 1763 to include any "public body" and to include any communication with the public body, not just a personal appearance before it.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn