Advisory Opinion: 1652

Year Issued: 1996

RPC(s): RPC 5.4(a); 5.5(b)

Subject: Division of fees with nonlawyer; lawyer paid by corporation for work on behalf of corporation's clients

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning performing work on a per project basis by a Washington state corporation [on behalf of the corporation's clients]. The Committee determined that if the work that you are performing consists of the practice of law, then you may be in violation of RPC 5.4(a) and 5.5(b). If the work you are performing is not the practice of law then there is no problem with you performing these services under the Rules of Professional Conduct.

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.