Opinion 1909

The inquiring lawyer is a full time bailiff for a superior court judge and also provides pro bono legal services to claimants before [a federal agency]. The inquiring lawyer asks if such pro bono work creates a conflict of interest with the full time employment.

Based upon the facts presented in the inquiry, the committee opined that it does not appear that the inquiring lawyer’s pro bono representation of a claimant in actions that are exclusively heard by federal agencies and courts creates a conflict of interest under the Rules of Professional Conduct with the regular employment as a lawyer-bailiff in a superior court.

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.