Advisory Opinion: 1596

Year Issued: 1995

RPC(s): RPC 1.10

Subject: Partner on leave of absence is "associated with" firm

The Committee discussed your inquiry regarding an arrangement implemented by your firm to meet the requirements of RPC 1.10. The intent of the arrangement is to ensure that a partner in the firm, while on a leave of absence from the firm, is not "associated with the firm" as that phrase is used in RPC 1.10. The Committee unanimously agreed that RPC 1.10 does apply in this case. However, whether the arrangement posed by you meets the requirements of RPC 1.10 is a question of law. Therefore, the Committee cannot express any opinion regarding any liability issues that may be involved, as it is prohibited from providing legal opinions.

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.