Advisory Opinion: 1445

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 5.4

Subject: Contingent fee agreement with third party consultant; referral or finders fee

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning a contingent fee agreement with a third-party consultant. The Committee is of the opinion that the proposed transaction would be improper under RPC 5.4 because the agreement would provide for a referral or finders fee.

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.