Advisory Opinion: 1532

Year Issued: 1993

RPC(s): RPC 1.7(b); ABA Informal Ethics Opinion 84-1508

Subject: Conflict of interest; lawyer representing clients adverse to lawyer's employer

The Committee reviewed your inquiry of whether a state college full-time faculty member could represent clients who bring civil claims against other state community colleges or universities. The Committee was of the opinion that the lawyer could only undertake such representation if he or she were able to comply with RPC 1.7(b). The Committee also directed that I provide you with ABA Informal Ethics Opinion 84-1508 which addresses this issue.

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.