Opinion 1374

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning whether it is permissible to sign your name as a lawyer on letters written in your capacity as a partner with a therapist in a divorce mediation business or to be identified as a lawyer on business cards for that business. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 5.4(d) prohibits a lawyer from identifying himself or herself as a lawyer in any business partnership with a non-lawyer. Also, the Committee was of the opinion that such a business partnership with a non-lawyer must be kept entirely independent from the lawyer's law practice.

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.