Advisory Opinion: 1681

Year Issued: 1996

RPC(s): RPC 7.2(c); ABA Opinion 87-355

Subject: Solicitation; participation in group legal marketing program that gives subscribers free or reduced fee legal services

[The Lawstar program gives its members, in return for an annual fee, specified reduced or free legal services. Lawyers do not pay to register with the program, but must agree to provide the free or reduced rate legal services.] The Committee reviewed the proposed agreement with "Lawstar" and was of the opinion that a lawyer participating in such a program would be in violation of RPC 7.2(c), but also directed me to provide you with a copy of ABA opinion 87-355.

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.