Advisory Opinion: 1784

Year Issued: 1997

RPC(s): Informal Opinion 1555; Informal Opinion 1574

Subject: Conflict of interest; criminal defense attorney whose domestic partner is deputy prosecutor

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the responsibilities of a criminal defense lawyer who has a domestic partner who is a deputy prosecuting attorney. The Committee was of the opinion that its previous opinions #1555 and #1574 provide the answer to this inquiry and directed me to forward them 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.