Advisory Opinion: 1165

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RPC 5.5(b)

Subject: Aiding unauthorized practice.

The Committee was of the opinion that the question of whether your proposed client would be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, is a legal question, and pursuant to the rules imposed upon the Committee by the Board of Governors of the Washington State Bar Association, the Committee cannot render legal opinions. However, the Committee was of the opinion if your client would be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, then RPC 5.5(b) would prohibit you from assisting that client in such conduct.

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.