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
0834	7-Family Conflicts 8-Bills and Fees 16-Lawyer's Personal Interests 31-Protecting and Disclosing Confidences and Secrets	As long as the client consents, a lawyer may refer clients to the lawyer's spouse (a financial planner). The lawyer may not disclose the clients' identity to the spouse without the clients' consent. A lawyer may employ a collection agency to help collect past-due fees, but should not disclose any more information than the agency would need to collect the fee.

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn