Advisory Opinion: 1005

Year Issued: 1986

RPC(s): RPC 7.5(d)

Subject: Firm names; inclusion of non-partner in firm name

[A & B were partners in a law firm and wished to include the name of C., an associate, in the name of their firm.] The Committee was of the opinion that your proposed letterhead showing the name of the firm as A, B, P.S., & C would be prohibited by RPC 7.5(d) because it would imply that a partnership existed where none does, and further would imply that C, as a partner, would be jointly liable with the other putative partners for any liability of the law firm.

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.