Advisory Opinion: 1012

Year Issued: 1986

RPC(s): RPC 5.3

Subject: Conflict of interest; imputed disqualification; secretary formerly employed by law firm for adverse parties

The Committee was of the opinion that where you have hired a legal secretary who was formerly employed by a law firm which represents parties adverse to current clients of yours, and she has actual knowledge of confidences and secrets of those adverse clients, RPC 5.3 would make it improper for you to employ her as your secretary.

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.