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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0974

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8-Bills and Fees

16-Lawyer's Personal Interests

36-Withdrawal from Representations

If a lawyer is granted permission to withdraw as counsel, the lawyer may sue the former client for fees "should it be determined that a gross imposition has been made upon the lawyer's practice due to the client's failure to pay the fee" [The lawyer should be free to sue the former client for fees under normal contract rules; the "gross imposition" standard should apply only if the lawyer wants to sue a current client for unpaid fees.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn