Advisory Opinion: 1644

Year Issued: 1995

RPC(s): RPC 5.4(a)(3)

Subject: Division of fees with nonlawyer; profit-sharing plan

The Committee was of the opinion that your profit sharing plan with the law partnership's non-lawyer staff [under which the nonlawyers receive a percentage of income after monthly overhead and guarantees to partners] as set out in your inquiry is permitted by RPC 5.4(a)(3).

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.