Advisory Opinion: 1486

Year Issued: 1992

RPC(s): RPC 7.5

Subject: Firm name includes name of lawyer who practices independently

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning use of a law firm name in which one of the named principals in the firm intends to practice law independent from the law firm. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 7.5(b) would not permit a law firm to include in its name the name of a lawyer who was engaged in the practice of law independent from the law firm.

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.