Advisory Opinion: 1183

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RPC 7.5(d)

Subject: Firm name; inclusion of non-partner's name

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the use of the name of a lawyer in the law firm when that lawyer is not a partner of the firm. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 7.5(d) prohibits such a practice since it implies that those lawyers practice in a partnership when that is not the fact.

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.