Advisory Opinion: 1945

Year Issued: 2001

RPC(s): RPC 1.8(e)

Subject: Lawyer advances or guarantees of financial assistance to clients during litigation

It is the recommendation of the Rules of Professional Conduct Committee that, with reference to RPC 1.8 that deals with conflicts of interest and prohibited transactions with a client, the phrase "expenses of litigation" as used in RPC 1.8(e) should not be modified or expanded to include "living expenses" of a client.

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.