Advisory Opinion: 1440

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 1.7(b)

Subject: Conflict of interest; city attorney representing party to negotiations with city in unrelated matter

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning possible conflict of interest between your duties as City Attorney and your possible representation in an unrelated matter of an investor in a development being negotiated with the City. The Committee is of the opinion that as your inquiry is presented, there does not appear to be a clear violation of the conflict of interest rules as long as there is full disclosure to all parties as required by RPC 1.7(b). The Committee specifically rendered no opinion on whether such representation could counter all accusations of conflict of interest, nor on the prudence or reasonableness of the representation.

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.