Advisory Opinion: 1473

Year Issued: 1992

RPC(s): RPC 7.5(b); Formal Opinion 178

Subject: Firm name with lawyers who are not partners or shareholders

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the practice of two lawyers who are neither partners nor shareholders in a professional corporation under a firm name using their last names connected with "and". The Committee was of the opinion that the use of such a firm name under these facts would be a violation of RPC 7.5 (b). The Committee also directed me to send you a copy of Formal Opinion 178.

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.