Advisory Opinion: 1016

Year Issued: 1986

RPC(s): RPC 1.7

Subject: Conflict of interest; guardian ad litem in paternity cases representing parties in unrelated paternity cases

The Committee was of the opinion that the fact that you were appointed to serve as a guardian ad litem in paternity cases in which you are paid by the state does not present a conflict of interest when you are privately employed to represent a mother or father in unrelated paternity cases.

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.