Advisory Opinion: 1217

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RPC 1.7; 1.9; 1.10

Subject: Conflict of interest; imputed disqualification; lawyers from different firms providing pro bono representation through a legal services organization

The Committee considered your inquiry concerning the question of conflicts of interest between lawyers who volunteer to participate in pro bono representation through a legal services office. The Committee was of the opinion that lawyers in private practice who volunteer to donate pro bono services through your organization are not practicing "in association" with each other and therefore, the fact that volunteer lawyers may represent adverse parties does not violate the Rules of Professional 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.