Advisory Opinion: 1087

Year Issued: 1987

RPC(s): RPC 1.8(e)

Subject: Guaranteeing client's medical costs

The Committee considered your inquiry whether it is permissible to guarantee a client's out-of-pocket medical costs to relieve the client from the pressures and demands for payment from medical providers. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 1.8(e) prohibits a lawyer from advancing or guaranteeing financial assistance to a client except that a lawyer may guarantee the expenses of litigation. The Committee believed that the proposed assistance suggested by you would not fall within that exception, and therefore is prohibited by the rule.

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.