Opinion 1312

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning whether a corporation which employs you as staff attorney could solicit business from lawyers to assist in bankruptcy and unlawful detainer proceedings. The Committee is of the opinion that, presuming that nothing in the letter is otherwise misleading or deceptive, the Rules of Professional Conduct would not prohibit solicitation of such business. The Committee is not in the position of being able to approve the actual content of any such solicitation letter. The Committee also was of the opinion that the solicitation letter, while vague in its terms, raises a question of whether your conduct involved in this business would constitute aiding the unauthorized practice of law in violation of RPC 5.5(b). The Committee is not in a position to determine that, but directed me to call that rule to your attention.

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.