Opinion 1425

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning disclosures and other issues raised when a lawyer appears before a court commissioner who had previously acted as that lawyer's counsel. The Committee is of the opinion that in response to each of the specific questions raised in your inquiry, they presented no conflicts with the Rules of Professional Conduct. The Committee was of the opinion that the only concern would be that the lawyer must be sure not to attempt to use the former relationship to influence the commissioner. See RPC 3.5(a).

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.