Advisory Opinion: 965

Year Issued: 1986

RPC(s): RPC 1.6

Subject: Client confidences; client maligning former attorney

The Committee was of the opinion that in your situation where a former client is "apparently maligning" your law firm to third parties, Rule 1.6 of the Rules of Professional Conduct would not permit you to reveal confidences or secrets of that client. However, the Committee further was of the opinion that you could write a letter to the former client merely stating that what the client is saying about you is false and directing the former client to stop. That letter could be sent to others because no client confidences or secrets would be involved.

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.