Advisory Opinion: 1639

Year Issued: 1995

RPC(s): RPC 7.2(c)

Subject: Solicitation; referral service

Since you were present during the Committee's discussion of this matter, I will briefly summarize the Committee's decision. The Committee understood that you were considering the operation of a for-profit service organization [which would solicit bids from law firms on behalf of its business clients.] Although several concerns were raised by the Committee which were shared with you during discussion, the Committee was of the opinion that the proposed service would violate RPC 7.2(c).

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.