Advisory Opinion: 1615

Year Issued: 1995

RPC(s): RPC 1.7(a)

Subject: Conflict of interest; law firm represents client adverse to member of risk pool also represented by firm

The Committee reviewed your inquiry in which your law firm has been requested to represent a client in a matter involving a contract dispute with a school district which is a member of a risk-pool also represented by the law firm. The Committee was of the opinion that your firm could only represent both clients if it complied with the requirements of RPC 1.7(a).

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.