Advisory Opinion: 1305

Year Issued: 1989

RPC(s): RPC 1.4

Subject: Client request for documents filed under seal; disclosure of documents if prohibited by statute

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning whether a lawyer can, at a client's request, provide copies of documents which relate to sealed files which may be revealed only upon a court order. The Committee was of the opinion that if the pertinent statute prohibits the disclosure of these documents, then the client would not be entitled to the documents. The Committee cannot give a legal opinion. However, they unanimously agreed that the Rules of Professional Conduct do not require disclosure of what a statute prohibits be disclosed.

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.