1742
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| As indicated in earlier Opinions, a lawyer representing a real estate purchaser cannot impose fees on the seller absent an agreement or some forewarning. A lawyer designated in a real estate contract as settlement agent may not comply with a title company’s instructions that would involve the title company preparing documents and undertaking other activities that would constitute the unauthorized practice of law (a lawyer who owns a title company may perform legal work for a client, but may not undertake the same activities if working on behalf of the title company -- because “only an attorney engaged in private practice specifically retained by the seller may undertake legal representation of the seller).” [Approved by the Supreme Court of Virginia 11/2/16]. |