Advisory Opinion: 1130

Year Issued: 1987

RPC(s):

Subject: Nonlawyer assistants; unauthorized practice of law; documents prepared by collection agency and signed by lawyer

[The lawyer met weekly with a collection agency and reviewed proposed matters for filing suit. The collection agency prepared complaints and other pleadings which the lawyer reviewed and signed.] It was the opinion of the Committee, under the facts set forth in your letter, that your proposed relationship with a collection agency would be in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. However, the Committee also wished to caution you to be mindful about CR 11.

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.