Advisory Opinion: 1281

Year Issued: 1989

RPC(s): RPC 1.6; 5.4(c)

Subject: Client confidence or secret; disclosure to non-lawyer supervisor

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning disclosure of client confidences to your non-lawyer supervisor. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 1.6 would prohibit you from disclosing client confidences or secrets to your supervisor. Similarly, the Committee was of the opinion that RPC 5.4(c) would prohibit your supervisor from directing or regulating your professional judgment in rendering legal services to your clients.

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.