In September 2021, the Washington Supreme Court adopted amendments to RPC 1.4, which now require disclosure regarding minimum malpractice insurance levels. With some exceptions, this new requirement applies to all practicing attorneys and has generated many questions.
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Is it OK to hit “Reply All” when responding to an email from another lawyer when that lawyer cc’d their own client on the initiating email? Have you just violated RPC 4.2? Or is including the other client permissible because they were already included in the initial email?
There’s a new advisory opinion which helps you answer this question. The Committee on Professional Ethics just posted Advisory Opinion 202201 on the WSBA website, which takes a comprehensive look at the issue.
Pursuant to the governor’s orders, many are working remotely. Your ethics obligations remain the same. Here’s a rundown of the basics:
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At the WSBA Ethics Line, we take calls all the time. Have you ever needed to hash out a sticky conflicts situation? Ever felt unsettled by your client’s behavior or unsure how to handle something confidentially? If so, you’re not alone. Here are three common questions we receive as well as a few tips we […]
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I have taken multiple calls at the WSBA Ethics Line from attorneys who feel stymied because opposing counsel isn’t responding and hasn’t terminated their attorney-client relationship. In one instance, the caller said the opposing party wanted to work directly with him, but the caller could not get confirmation from opposing counsel that contact was permitted.
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Lawyers sometimes call the WSBA Ethics Line asking how they can file a motion to withdraw and also maintain client confidentiality. Lawyers sometimes call the WSBA Ethics Line (800-945-9722, ext. 8282) asking how they can file a motion to withdraw and also maintain client confidentiality. Fortunately, there’s a 2017 Advisory Opinion that walks you through […]
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Boxes of old, closed-case files in the garage, or incurring monthly storage fees, can be a nightmare for both large firms and the sole practitioner. On the WSBA Ethics Line, it’s not uncommon for us to field questions by attorneys taking over an established practice and inheriting mountains of closed files. What can they do […]
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The internet and social media are a part of most attorneys’ practices, whether they’ve chosen an aggressive online presence or not. Along with marketing their practice and maintaining their digital presence, attorneys may find themselves facing a negative internet review. Sometimes they call the WSBA Ethics Line (800-945-9722 ext. 8284) asking for guidance on whether […]
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Attorneys sometimes call the WSBA Ethics Line – 800-945-9722 ext. 8284 – wondering if they can offer legal services at a charity auction. Often, they have concerns that it might violate ethics rules, but they aren’t sure which ones. While there are reasons to be careful about auctioning your services, a properly set up donation […]
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Every so often the ethics line takes a call from a member who is worried because they can’t contact their client and a deadline is near. Should they act to protect their client, even if they can’t reach them? What if the statute of limitations is approaching? If they don’t file suit, the client could […]
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To gift or not to gift, that’s the question of the season. Attorney Sandra Schilling offers some ethical guidelines for the holiday season.
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Attorneys sometimes call the WSBA Ethics Line with concerns about accepting representation adverse to a former client. RPC 1.9, Duties to Former Clients, explains an attorney’s requirements in such a situation. While taking a case against a former client might feel disloyal, it may not violate the ethics rules. We provide a snapshot of RPC […]
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Two new advisory opinions have recently been posted to help attorneys follow the RPCs while navigating the Internet. Take a look at these to steer clear in the areas of social media and Internet marketing.
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If you have ever wondered what to do with original wills, consider the following best practices to help you decide.
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