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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5-Lawyers Changing Jobs

8-Bills and Fees

45-Law Firms - Miscellaneous

Although ABA Model Rule 1.17 allows lawyers to sell their law firms as long as they "cease to engage in the practice of law," "it seems reasonable to conclude that the transition of pending or active client matters from a selling lawyer or firm to a purchasing lawyer or firm need not be immediate or abrupt." Lawyers may assist in the transition of "active client matters for a reasonable period of time after the closing of a sale," but "neither the selling lawyer or law firm nor the purchasing lawyer or law firm may bill clients for time spent only on the transition of matters."

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn