Advisory Opinion: 899

Year Issued: 1985

RPC(s): RPC 5.5

Subject: Assisting the unauthorized practice of law; lawyer renting space from nonlawyer engaging in unauthorized practice

The lawyer rented office space from an entity with a law-related trade name which was owned by a nonlawyer. The lawyer did not have a separate telephone listing. The Committee was of the opinion that it appeared from the limited facts presented to them that the nonlawyer may be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, and if the lawyer were aiding in that, his conduct would violate RPC 5.5.

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.