Advisory Opinion: 1870

Year Issued: 1999

RPC(s):

Subject: Proposed rule requiring lawyers to treat clients with respect, deference and dignity.

I have been instructed by the Rules of Professional Conduct Committee to respond to your ethics inquiry #1870 concerning a proposed addition to RPCs.

The Committee has reviewed your inquiry and determined that the following:

You inquired whether a new RPC should be promulgated that mandates that lawyers treat his or her clients with respect, deference and dignity. The committee is of the opinion that the rule you propose would be difficult to enforce, subject to abuse, and would chill lawyers from some kinds of advice and client control, which are necessary. The committee believes the Preamble and Title 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, and a lawyer’s own interests in treating clients well are sufficient.

Advisory Opinions are provided for the education of the Bar and reflect the opinion of the Committee on Professional Ethics (CPE) or its predecessors. Advisory Opinions are provided pursuant to the authorization granted by the Board of Governors, but are not individually approved by the Board and do not reflect the official position of the Bar association. Laws other than the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct may apply to the inquiry. The Committee's answer does not include or opine about any other applicable law other than the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct.