Opinion 1098

The Committee was of the opinion that the answer to your inquiry depends on determining who your client is. The Committee believes that to be a legal question on which the Committee can render no opinion, and that it is something you should attempt to resolve with [your client]. The Committee is of the opinion that Rule 4.3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct does obligate your to make clear to all parties with whom you are dealing whether a lawyer-client relationship exists.

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.