Advisory Opinion: 2015

Year Issued: 2003

RPC(s): RPC 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, IO 1975

Subject: professional networking group, referrals

The inquirer was following up on Informal Opinion 1975 which opined that it is a violation of RPC 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 for a lawyer to participate in a commercial enterprise that networks various professionals and services requiring referrals between members of the network as a condition of continued membership in the network. The inquirer stated that the organization had changed its requirements so that making referrals was not a necessary condition of membership.

Members of the committee visited the organization’s Web site and reported that the site offers reasons for joining the organization and included a statement that to maintain membership in the organization two referrals are required each month. Consequently, the committee opined that it has considered the inquiry and finds no basis for altering Informal Opinion 1975 which adequately expresses the committee’s analysis of the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct to participate in the network organization as the organization itself describes its program.

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.