Advisory Opinion: 1676

Year Issued: 1996

RPC(s): RPC 1.6; 1.7; 1.9

Subject: Law partner acting as Special Attorney General part-time

The Committee discussed your inquiry regarding whether there are any ethical restraints to partners in a law firm taking a 25% leave of absence from the partnership to act as Special Attorneys General for the purpose of pursuing litigation on behalf of the State of Washington. The Committee decided that without more information, it cannot give a comprehensive answer, and can only direct the inquirer to comply with RPC 1.6, 1.7, 1.9.

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.