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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0553

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3-Multiple Representations on the Same Matter

58-Real Estate Lawyers

66-Lawyers Acting as "Scriveners"

A lawyer prepared real estate documents for both the buyer and seller, but merely memorialized what the parties had independently negotiated and agreed. The lawyer may now represent the buyer in an action brought by the seller. [This LEO may be incorrect -- normally a lawyer in this situation could not represent either client if a dispute arises between them.][Superseded in LEO 1803, which held that the existence of an attorney client relationship depends on the lawyer's action rather than a mere title, and holding that the attorney client relationship would arise between prisoners and lawyers practicing at a state prison if the lawyers did anything more than simply typing up what the prisoner wrote].

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn