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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16-Lawyer's Personal Interests

A lawyer and a non-lawyer friend entered into a partnership to purchase vacation property. The friend raised some questions, and the lawyer assured the friend that things could be worked out later. A dispute later arose between them. The lawyer should have made an adequate disclosure of the potential adversity, and advised the friend to retain another lawyer. [Under Rule 1.8(a), a lawyer may not enter into a "business transaction" with a client unless the client is given an opportunity to seek independent advice, and there has been full disclosure and consent in writing.]

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn