Advisory Opinion: 1944

Year Issued: 2001

RPC(s): RPC 1.5(e); 1.7(b); 4.3; 5.4; 8.4(c)

Subject: Lawyer's referral of client to another lawyer with whom the referring lawyer has a common business interest

The inquiring lawyer asks whether a lawyer that is renting office space from a corporation owned by a group of lawyers can then recommend some one from that group of lawyers when independent advice of counsel is required.

The Rules of Professional Conduct do not prohibit referral of parties to other lawyers who might have a common business interests with the referring lawyer. The referring lawyer, however, must be careful to comply with RPC 1.5(e), 1.7(b), 4.3, 5.4 and 8.4(c).

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.