Advisory Opinion: 1489

Year Issued: 1992

RPC(s): RPC 1.6

Subject: Client secret or confidence; disclosure of client information in fee collection

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning disclosure of client information to a lawyer employed by you to collect a delinquent fee. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 1.6 would permit disclosure of such information if the lawyer reasonably believes it necessary to establish or collect a claim against the client.

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.