Advisory Opinion: 1410

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 1.1; 1.4(b); 1.6

Subject: Disclosure to client of lawyer's representation of court commissioner's ex wife in dissolution

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the representation by your law firm of a Court Commissioner's former wife. The Committee was of the opinion that your firm would not be disqualified from having other cases heard by the Court Commissioner. If that information were relevant to your client's case, the RPC 1.1 and 1.4(b) would require that you disclose that information to the client. However, the Committee was also of the opinion that you could not disclose confidences or secrets of the former wife of the Court Commissioner without compliance with RPC 1.6.

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.