Advisory Opinion: 996

Year Issued: 1986

RPC(s): RPC 1.10(b)

Subject: Conflict of interest; imputed disqualification; prior law firm consulted with opposing party

The Committee was of the opinion, based upon the facts set out in your inquiry, that while you were formerly associated with a law firm which was consulted by a woman regarding a marriage dissolution, and that you did not gain any confidences and secrets from the consultation, you would not now be prohibited by RPC 1.10(b) from now representing her former husband in post-dissolution proceedings. I was also directed to point out to you that your letterhead identifying you as [Doe, Jones & Smith] appears to imply that you are a partnership, which is inconsistent with your statement in your inquiry that you are practicing as a sole practitioner. I enclose Formal Opinion 178 in that regard.

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.