Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

Virginia does not have a rule on this topic. The state chose not to adopt the ABA Model Rule that normally covers this area.

The ABA's version of this rule deals with lawyers who work on law reform activities, like serving on a bar association committee or government task force that looks at changing laws. It says lawyers can do this work even if the changes might affect their own clients, as long as they tell people when they are speaking for themselves and not for their client.

Since Virginia did not adopt this rule, lawyers in Virginia should look to other rules for guidance on conflicts of interest and their duties to clients when they get involved in law reform work. If you have questions about a lawyer's involvement in this kind of activity, it is worth asking them directly or checking with the Virginia State Bar for more information.