Advisory Opinion: 1522

Year Issued: 1993

RPC(s): RPC 1.5(e); 7.2(c)

Subject: Division of fees between lawyers in different firms; referral fees; "joint responsibility" means legal liability

The Committee was of the unanimous opinion that "joint responsibility" as used in RPC 1.5(e)(2) refers to legal liability to see that the client's work is competently performed. The Committee was also of the opinion that RPC 7.2 (c) prohibits referral fees and decided not to issue a formal opinion.

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.