Advisory Opinion: 1879

Year Issued: 1999

RPC(s): RPC 5.4(b)

Subject: Partnership with nonlawyers to market and sell legal forms

The inquirer asked about the ethics of his forming a partnership to market and sell legal forms to Washington residents. The partnership would not give legal advice but only sell forms. The partnership would include nonlawyers.

The committee responded that a Washington lawyer does not appear to violate RPC 5.4(b) by participating in a partnership with nonlawyers, which markets and sells legal forms, provided the partnership does not give legal advice or engage in other conduct that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.

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.