Advisory Opinion: 1656

Year Issued: 1996

RPC(s): RPC 7.1; 7.5(a); 7.5(d)

Subject: Law firm name; use of "& Company"

You ask whether a law practice can be named "____ & Company". The Committee was of the opinion that the use of the word "company" in a law firm name is prohibited by RPC 7.1, 7.5(a), and 7.5(d) without further explanation of the organizational structure of the law practice.

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.