Advisory Opinion: 1125

Year Issued: 1987

RPC(s): RPC 1.15(d)

Subject: Client property; attorney's lien

The Committee was of the opinion that you could assert a possessory lien over a document in your possession constituting a certificate of title to an automobile which was given to you to secure your fees. The Committee could not, however, render any opinion on the legal question of whether you could proceed to execute against any interest in the vehicle.

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.