Opinion 1082

The Committee considered your inquiry concerning the use of letterhead which shows the names of two lawyers, each separately identified as "attorney at law" and whose names appear one over the other with a line between them. After discussion, by a vote of 2-7, the Committee determined that the use of such letterhead did not falsely lead the public into believing that a partnership existed between these lawyers. By a vote of 5-6 the Committee determined that the letterhead was not otherwise deceptive. Therefore, the Committee concluded that the lawyers could properly use such a letterhead.

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.