Advisory Opinion: 1609

Year Issued: 1995

RPC(s): RPC 5.5

Subject: Multi-state law practice; unauthorized practice of law; letterhead showing out-of-state association

The Committee reviewed your inquiry regarding a multijurisdictional law practice.

Specifically, you ask if it is appropriate for you (1) to write letters to employers outside the State of Washington, (2) to sign your name with "attorney at law" on association letterhead with an address in Oregon, or (3) to sign your name on association letterhead with an address in Washington. You are only licensed to practice law in Washington State. The answer to these questions depends on whether those activities constitute the unauthorized practice of law either in Washington or in other states. The question of what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law is a legal question and the RPC Committee is not authorized to respond to questions of law. Regarding your last question, it is the Committee's opinion that the Rules of Professional Conduct would permit you to represent and out-of-state individual at a hearing before an administrative agency if the agency does not require representatives to be licensed attorneys.

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.