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.

LEO Num	Topics	Summary
0571	16-Lawyer's Personal Interests 76-Trust and Estate Lawyers	A lawyer is not per se prohibited from writing a testamentary document in which the lawyer or a member of the family is a beneficiary, as long as the lawyer is related to the donor. However, the lawyer must be careful to exercise independent professional judgment. [Under Rule 1.10(a), this disqualification is now imputed to the lawyer's entire firm.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn