Advisory Opinion: 1284

Year Issued: 1989

RPC(s): RPC 1.14(b)(4); Formal Opinion 181

Subject: Duty to return client property and documents

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning your obligations to a former client who has requested that you release documents to him which you have in storage. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 1.14(b)(4) requires that you provide to your client all property which the client is entitled to receive. The Committee also wanted to call your attention to Formal Opinion 181.

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.