Advisory Opinion: 1422

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 5.4

Subject: Business partnership with nonlawyer; mediation service separate from law practice

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the forming of a mediation service with a non-lawyer. The Committee was of the opinion that if the mediation service were wholly separate and apart from your law practice, the formation of such a service with a non-lawyer would be permitted, but that you could not in any way form a partnership with a non-lawyer which involved the practice of law, RPC 5.4(d). The Committee directed that I provide you a copy of a recent informal opinion regarding a similar issue in establishing an escrow service.

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.