Advisory Opinion: 1487

Year Issued: 1992

RPC(s): RPC 1.7(b)

Subject: Conflict of interest; lawyer on city council while firm represents clients adverse to city

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning whether lawyers in your law firm would be precluded from representing clients against the city in which you serve on the city council. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 1.7(b) would apply to the issue, but the Committee did not have enough facts to determine whether the prohibition against such representation because of any conflict of interest could be waived pursuant to RPC 1.7(b)(2). Based upon the limited facts presented, the Committee was skeptical that it could be.

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.