Advisory Opinion: 1735

Year Issued: 1997

RPC(s): RPC 7.1; 7.3; 7.5

Subject: Change in firm name; duty to notify clients

It is the Committee's opinion that while there is no general requirement that a law firm notify its clients of a lawful and proper firm name change, there may be a requirement to inform individual clients because it may affect their case. If the firm does notify its clients of its firm's name change, it should do so in compliance with RPC 7.1, 7.3 and 7.5.

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.