Opinion 1257

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the possible formation of a law partnership between your law firm and a lawyer who is presently representing you in litigation. After considerable discussion, the Committee was of the opinion that RPC 3.7 is not intended to prevent a lawyer from representing him or herself in litigation, nor to prevent a lawyer from presenting another lawyer in the same law firm in litigation. Because the Committee believes this is a significant issue of interest to lawyers in our state, the Committee is going to consider proposing Formal Opinion to the Board of Governors on this. However, they directed that I should give you their informal opinion at this time.

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.