Advisory Opinion: 1436

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 1.2

Subject: Scope of representation; practice of law; assisting pro se parties in completing form pleadings under guise of scrivener

[The lawyer proposed assisting parties to dissolution in completing pleadings such as parenting plans.] The Committee reviewed your proposed "scrivener agreement". The Committee is of the opinion that your proposed "scrivener service" is the practice of law, and that your proposed contract is fraught with violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The Committee noted that it was not presented with the issue of whether a lawyer can serve in a purely scrivener role so specifically rendered no opinion on that question.

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.