Opinion 1437

Subject: Conflict of interest; client in unrelated matter involved in events in second client's lawsuit against third party

[The lawyer wished to represent a client in a lawsuit against a municipality for improperly approving a development. The law firm represents the architect for the developer on a completely unrelated matter, but intends to withdraw from that representation. The architect would not be a party to the lawsuit against the municipality.] The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning possible conflict of interest. Based upon the facts as set out in your inquiry, the Committee was of the opinion that there is no conflict of interest for you to undertake the representation as proposed.

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.