Advisory Opinion: 1687

Year Issued: 1996

RPC(s): RPC 5.5

Subject: Division of fees with limited practice officer

The Committee reviewed your inquiry regarding payment to a limited practice officer. The Committee was of the opinion that RPC 5.5 does not permit payment of a percentage of escrow fee charges, but that there were other ways to provide compensation to the LPO such as a flat fee payment per transaction, or separate billing by the LPO, or other methods which may be available to you.

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.