Advisory Opinion: 1170

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RPC 1.7; 1.9

Subject: Conflict of interest; representation adverse to client of another lawyer in same firm

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning your continued representation of a client in a dispute with an individual who had become the client of another lawyer in your firm. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 1.7 and/or 1.9 would dictate that your firm could not continue to represent your client in the dispute with the other individual unless each party consented to such representation after consultation as provided in that rule.

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.