Opinion 982

Subject: Conflict of interest; representation of plaintiff in auto accident case against defendant law firm previously represented on DWI charge

The Committee understands the facts in your inquiry to be that you represent clients in a law suit growing out of an automobile accident. Another lawyer in your office previously had represented the opposing party on a DWI charge. The Committee was of the opinion that the prior representation of the defendant is substantially related to the present law suit and therefore, pursuant to RPC 1.9 your firm could not continue the representation of the plaintiffs without consent of the former client after full disclosure and consultation.

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.