Advisory Opinion: 1208

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RLD 1.1(h)

Subject: Employment of lawyer who resigned in lieu of disbarment in another state

The Committee considered your inquiry concerning the employment by you of a person who was formerly licensed to practice law in Texas, but who resigned under circumstances that "were tantamount to disbarment." The Committee was of the opinion that neither the Rules of Professional Conduct nor Rule 1.1(h) of the Rules for Lawyer Discipline would prohibit you from employing such a person, but it did want to caution you that you would be obligated to ensure that your employee did not engage in the practice of law.

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.