Advisory Opinion: 1128

Year Issued: 1987

RPC(s): RPC 1.14; RCW 63.29

Subject: Unclaimed trust funds; missing client

The Committee was of the opinion that when a lawyer held funds in his trust account for a client whose whereabouts are unknown, the lawyer is obliged to follow the requirements of the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, RCW 63.29.

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.