Advisory Opinion: 1022

Year Issued: 1986

RPC(s): RPC 1.10

Subject: Conflict of interest; imputed disqualification; representation by current law firm of clients adverse to former law firm's clients

The Rules of Professional Conduct Committee reviewed your recent inquiry concerning your present employment with a law firm which represents parties who are adverse to other parties represented by your former law firm employer. The Committee was of the opinion that so long as you have no actual knowledge of confidences or secrets of the adverse parties and you are not involved with case, RPC 1.10 would not disqualify your present law firm from continuing representation of their clients.

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.