Advisory Opinion: 1496

Year Issued: 1992

RPC(s): RPC 1.6

Subject: Client confidence or secret; disclosure of client's false statements to tribunal

The Committee reviewed your inquiry regarding a lawyer's obligation when learning that a client had made false statements to a tribunal. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 1.6 would prohibit the lawyer from disclosing the information. However, if the lawyer were later accused of having been involved with the client in fraudulent conduct, the lawyer may make such disclosures as are necessary to defend himself or herself pursuant to RPC 1.6.

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.