Advisory Opinion: 1393

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 1.5(d)

Subject: Appeal of dissolution matter on contingent fee basis

[The lawyer wished to enter into a contingent fee agreement for the appeal of a dissolution matter where the only issue on appeal related to division of community property.] Based upon the narrow facts presented by your inquiry, which the Committee understood to include the fact that in this matter the dissolution had been secured, and the appeal from the Superior Court judgment does not involve a property settlement in lieu of support, that RPC 1.5(d) would not prohibit a lawyer from handling this narrow appeal on a contingent fee basis.

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.