Advisory Opinion: 2017

Year Issued: 2003

RPC(s): RPC 1.6

Subject: disclosure of client information

The inquirer asks if RPC 1.6 prohibits a lawyer from disclosing the telephone numbers of clients without having their permission.

Yes, RPC 1.6 prohibits the voluntary disclosure of any information obtained during the course of representation without the consent of the client. The exception to this rule, RPC 1.6(b) and (c), do not apply given the limited facts stated in the inquiry.

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.