Advisory Opinion: 1123

Year Issued: 1987

RPC(s): RPC 3.3(c); 1.6

Subject: Client confidences and secrets; disclosure of false testimony

The Committee considered your inquiry asking what you should do when you discovered your client in a dissolution trial had given false testimony regarding the amount received from the sale of a car. The Committee understood that no findings or decree have yet been entered. The Committee was of the opinion that, pursuant to RPC 3.3(c) and 1.6, you would not be permitted to disclose that information, but that you should seek the consent of your client to disclose it, and if that consent is denied, you should withdraw.

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.