Advisory Opinion: 1383

Year Issued: 1990

RPC(s): RPC 1.6(a); 1.7(b); 5.4(b); 2.1

Subject: Referral of clients to relative for non-legal services

The Committee was of the opinion that a lawyer may ethically recommend or refer clients to a relative to perform non-legal services so long as the lawyer complies with RPC 1.6(a) regarding confidences and secrets; RPC 1.7(b) regarding conflicts of interest; RPC 5.4(b) regarding professional independence of the lawyer; and RPC 2.1 as it relates to "advisor."

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.