Advisory Opinion: 1677

Year Issued: 1996

RPC(s):

Subject: Suit against former client for expert witness fees

The Committee discussed your inquiry regarding the ethical propriety of filing a cross-claim against your client in the event suit is filed against your firm by an expert witness for payment of expert witness fees. The Committee was of the opinion that under the Rules of Professional Conduct, you may sue your client for payment of legal fees or expenses/costs incurred on the client's behalf, either initially or on a cross-claim.

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.