Advisory Opinion: 1037

Year Issued: 1986

RPC(s): RPC 1.14

Subject: Attorney's lien for fees owed in prior litigation asserted against funds received on client's behalf from new matter

The Committee was of the opinion that an attorney's lien can be asserted for fees due in previous litigation against funds now received on behalf of that same client on new litigation. The Committee was further of the opinion that the lawyer must comply with the attorney's lien statute regarding the transfer of those client funds to the firm account and payment of the owed legal fees.

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.