Advisory Opinion: 923

Year Issued: 1985

RPC(s): RPC 1.6(a); 1.9; 1.10(b); 1.15(a)

Subject: Conflict of interest; association with opposing counsel in probate matter

The Committee was of the opinion that, based upon the limited facts presented by your inquiry, it appeared that where one attorney who is probating an estate had become associated with a second attorney who had previously represented one of the adult beneficiaries in attempting to protect his interest in the estate, both lawyers would be precluded from further representation of any parties in the proceeding pursuant to RPC 1.6 (a), 1.9, 1.10 (b) and 1.15 (a).

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.