Advisory Opinion: 1213

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RPC 1.6; 1.7

Subject: Client confidence or secret; whereabouts of client

[The lawyer represented a husband and wife in a tort action. The clients separated, and a warrant was issued for the husband for abducting their child. The FBI contacted the lawyer seeking information on the husband's whereabouts.] The Committee was of the opinion that the whereabouts of a client falls within the protections of RPC 1.6 concerning client confidences or secrets and can only be disclosed pursuant to the provisions of that rule. The Committee further understood that you had determined to cease representation of either the husband or wife in this situation.

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.