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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ABA-424

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31-Protecting and Disclosing Confidences and Secrets

57-In-House Lawyers

Former in-house lawyers may sue their former employers/clients, even if the lawyer claims retaliatory discharge based on adherence to ethics obligations, but: may only disclose information “to the extent necessary to establish her claim against her employer”; must affirmatively seek to avoid unnecessary disclosure by using such procedures as in-camera review, sealing of the record, proceeding without disclosing the parties’ names, etc.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn