Opinion 963

The Committee was of the opinion that you could name another lawyer who would be "responsible" for your affairs if you were to become absent for an extended period of time with the understanding that the named lawyer would simply assume the responsibility of contacting your clients and informing them of the need for representation by a new lawyer. The Committee was of the opinion that, except in the case of known actual conflicts, you would not need to make any disclosure to new clients at the time of your employment by them.

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.