Advisory Opinion: 1235

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RPC 1.6

Subject: Client confidence or secret; open office; privacy of communications

The Committee reviewed your inquiry regarding whether the Rules of Professional Conduct required that a lawyer have an office with walls and a door rather than be a part of an "open office concept." The Committee was of the opinion that the Rules of Professional Conduct do not address the architecture of law offices, and could only advise you that under RPC 1.6 a lawyer has a duty not to reveal client confidences or secrets.

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.