Advisory Opinion: 1518

Year Issued: 1993

RPC(s): RPC 7.2(c)

Subject: Referral fee; lawyer sells legal product and promises to make donation to organization that encourages purchase of product

The Committee reviewed your inquiry asking whether purchase of a video tape prepared by a lawyer regarding child support which would include a $5.00 donation to an advocacy organization [that encourages purchase of the videotape] would constitute an unethical referral fee. The Committee was of the opinion that if would not, since all that is being purchased is a product, not legal services.

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.