Advisory Opinion: 1646

Year Issued: 1995

RPC(s): RPC 7.3(a)

Subject: Solicitation; union referral of its members to lawyers

The Committee reviewed your inquiry regarding an agreement with a union for referral of union members for legal services. While the Committee thought that, on its face, such an agreement might violate RPC 7.3, it understands that, in a series of cases, most recently United Transportation Union v. Michigan State Bar, 401 U.S. 575 (1971), the United States Supreme Court held that such an arrangement is protected under the right of association.

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.