Advisory Opinion: 1541

Year Issued: 1993

RPC(s): RPC 1.7

Subject: Conflict of interest; current client owes funds to potential client

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning possible representation of an insurance company at the same time you represent another client who, while serving as a bail bondsman, failed to pay funds owing to the insurance company. The Committee was of the opinion that there is a substantial probability the representation of the insurance company would be materially adverse to the former bail bondman and would 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.