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

6-Lawyers Paid by Third Party

54-Insurance Defense Lawyers

A lawyer who "from time to time" represents the same insureds may be adverse to one of the insureds if all parties consent (a lawyer representing an insured owes his "sole allegiance" to the insured). Although the Bar has "suggested" that "it may be improper" for a lawyer to represent a client while at the same time suing it, the Bar approved such an arrangement as long as: the clients consent after full disclosure; the matters are not "substantially related"; the lawyer has "learned nothing in one capacity which would help you in another"; and the lawyer's "independent ability to represent your client" is in "no way affected."

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn