Advisory Opinion: 1053

Year Issued: 1986

RPC(s): RPC 7.1; 7.5

Subject: Firm names; listing former member of firm after departure; listing lawyer as "retired" while practicing with another firm

The Committee was of the opinion that it would be misleading for a lawyer who had left a law firm and joined a new law firm to remain on the letterhead of the first firm when he had no association with it. Similarly, the Committee was of the opinion that it would be similarly misleading for the first law firm to list the former attorney as "retired" when in fact he was not retired and was practicing law with another law firm. The Committee was of the opinion that if the lawyer were "of counsel" to both firms, then, being associated with both firms, his name could appear on the door and letterhead of each firm.

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.