Advisory Opinion: 1107

Year Issued: 1987

RPC(s): RPC 1.5(e); 7.1; 7.5(d); Formal Opinion 178

Subject: Firm name; letterhead; use of terms "and associates" and "of counsel"

The Committee was of the opinion that, under the facts presented in your inquiry, Rules 7.5(d) and 7.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct would prohibit the use of the term "and associates" in your firm name, since the other lawyers are not, in fact, associates of your law firm. The use of the term "of counsel" must comply with formal opinion 178, a copy of which is enclosed. Additionally, the Committee wanted to point out that any sharing of fees between you and other lawyers must comply with RPC 1.5(e).

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.