RPC 1.10 Washington: Conflict Imputation Rules for Law Firms
RPC 1.10 Washington defines how conflicts of interest are handled within law firms, especially when attorneys move between firms or represent clients with potentially adverse interests. The rule focuses on imputation of conflicts, meaning that a conflict affecting one lawyer may be extended to the entire firm unless specific ethical safeguards are in place.
What Is RPC 1.10?
Under Washington’s Rules of Professional Conduct, RPC 1.10 addresses the imputation of conflicts of interest across attorneys in a firm. If one attorney is disqualified from representing a client due to a conflict under RPC 1.9 (duties to former clients), that disqualification may extend to all lawyers in the firm.
🔗 Review related guidance on client confidentiality under RPC 1.6
When a Conflict Applies to the Entire Firm
Generally, if one lawyer cannot represent a client due to a conflict, RPC 1.10 Washington prohibits any lawyer in the same firm from doing so. This protects client confidentiality and prevents misuse of sensitive information obtained through prior representation.
Exceptions apply when:
- The conflicted lawyer is timely screened from participation
- Written notice is provided to the affected former client
- The firm takes steps to prevent access to case files or communication about the matter
These procedures must be implemented in accordance with strict guidelines to be valid.
Screening and Informed Consent
To avoid disqualification, a law firm may attempt ethical screening—isolating the conflicted attorney from any involvement in the case. RPC 1.10 Washington permits this only under limited circumstances and typically requires:
- No sharing of fees
- No direct involvement in the matter
- Prompt written disclosure to the former client
The goal is to protect the integrity of the attorney-client relationship while allowing firms to retain valuable personnel.
Why RPC 1.10 Matters for Law Firms
RPC 1.10 Washington reflects the reality of modern legal practice where attorneys often move between firms or work on multiple matters with overlapping interests. The rule ensures that ethics and client loyalty are preserved, even in large or complex legal environments.
Failure to comply with these standards may result in disciplinary action, disqualification from cases, or harm to a firm’s professional reputation.
Conclusion
Understanding RPC 1.10 Washington is essential for law firms and attorneys navigating conflict-of-interest concerns. If you’re facing an ethical dilemma involving former clients, attorney movement, or internal firm procedures, contact Blanford Law for confidential legal ethics guidance based on Washington law.
Why Choose Blanford Law?
At Blanford Law, we take legal ethics and client confidentiality very seriously. We ensure that every potential conflict of interest is handled with the highest level of professionalism, following the screening procedures outlined in RPC 1.10. We are committed to maintaining ethical standards while providing top-quality legal services to our clients.
To learn more about how we maintain ethical client representation, visit our Blanford Law Reviews to see why clients trust us.
If you have concerns about conflicts or how your legal case will be handled, contact Blanford Law for a consultation today.
