Advisory Opinion: 1764

Year Issued: 1997

RPC(s): RPC 7.5

Subject: Law firm name or designation; sole practitioner using law firm name suggesting more than one attorney

[The inquiry concerned] the continued use of two names in the name of a law firm after one partner retires, leaving only one lawyer actually practicing in the law firm. The Committee believes that you cannot continue to use "X and Y, P.S." while practicing as a sole practitioner as it suggests that more than one attorney is practicing in the law firm. Formal Opinion 178 is enclosed for reference.

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.