Advisory Opinion: 950

Year Issued: 1985

RPC(s): RPC 1.7

Subject: Conflict of interest; representation adverse to former client in unrelated litigation

From its review of your inquiry concerning a possible conflict of interest, the Committee was of the opinion, based upon the facts as set out in your inquiry, that your previous representation of one party in the present litigation does not appear to have involved matters which now relate to the pending litigation. Therefore, based upon its understanding that there is no present attorney-client relationship with the former client, and that the present representation of the adverse parties does not involve confidences or secrets of the former client, your representation of the adverse parties now does not violate RPC 1.7.

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.