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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1-Adversity to Current Clients

Because simultaneous representation of adverse clients "creates a presumption of adverse effect on the attorney's absolute duty of loyalty," it is improper despite the dissimilarity of subject matters of the representation. Absent consent, the entire firm is disqualified from representing either party in a medical malpractice action when it represents the plaintiff and defendant doctors in unrelated matters.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn