Advisory Opinion: 1628

Year Issued: 1995

RPC(s): RPC 7.2(c); 7.3(a)

Subject: Solicitation; referrals from translators who share initial consultation fee with lawyer

The Committee discussed your inquiry regarding the terms of an agreement between your law office and two translators operating travel agencies. The two translators have extensive ties to the Southeast Asian community. The proposed agreement contemplates initial client screening by the translators, who would then establish an initial fee agreement and refer potential clients to you for an initial consultation. The translators would provide translation services and share an initial consultation fee. It was the Committee's opinion that the proposed fee agreement appears to violate RPC 7.2(c) and RPC 7.3(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.