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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON 

LK OPERATING, LLC, a Washington 

limited liability company, 

Petitioner, 

v. 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

THE COLLECTION GROUP, LLC, a ) 

Washington limited liability company; and ) 

BRIAN FAIR and SHIRLEY FAIR, ) 

husband and wife, and their marital ) 

community composed thereof, ) 

Respondents, 

LESLIE ALAN POWERS and PATRICIA 

POWERS, husband and wife, and KEITH 

THERRIEN and MARSHA THERRIEN, 

husband and wife, 

Petitioners/Intervenors. 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

___________________________) 

NO. 88132-4 

ENBANC 

Filed JUL 3 1 2014 

FAIRHURST, J.-In this case and its companion, LK Operating, LLC v. 

Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88846-9 (Wash. July 31, 2014), we consider issues arising 

from a joint· venture proposal regarding a debt collection business. The debt 

collection business operated according to the functional terms of the joint venture 

proposal from approximately winter 2005 through summer 2007, at which point the 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

disagreements underlying the present litigation surfaced. This opinion addresses 

whether the proceedings below complied with due process requirements; whether, 

as a matter of law, the joint venture proposal was entered by an attorney in violation 

of one or both of former RPCs 1.7 (1995) and 1.8(a) (2000); and, if so, whether the 

remedy imposed by the trial court and affirmed on appeal is appropriate. We affirm. 

The proceedings below satisfied the requirements of procedural due process 

because the parties received sufficient notice and a meaningful opportunity to be 

heard regarding the issues presented for judicial determination. We hold, though on 

different reasoning from that used by the Court of Appeals, that the undisputed facts 

establish as a matter of law that the joint venture proposal contemplated a business 

transaction subject to, agreed to, and entered into in violation of former RPC 1.8(a). 

We affirm that the former RPC 1.8(a) violation renders the terms of the business 

transaction unenforceable under the circumstances presented and the remedy 

imposed was appropriate. We further affirm that the business transaction was entered 

in violation of former RPC 1. 7. We need not, and decline to, determine whether the 

former RPC 1.7 violation would also justify the remedy imposed. 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY 

At all relevant times, Leslie Powers (Mr. Powers) and Keith Therrien (Mr. 

Therrien) 1 practiced law as Powers & Therrien, PS (Law Firm). In December 2003, 

Mr. Powers and Mr. Therrien formed LK Operating (LKO), a limited liability 

company (LLC). LKO has five members, each of which is a corporation. Each 

corporation has a single shareholder, and each shareholder is a trust. One of Mr. 

Powers' or Mr. Therrien's adult children is named as the trustee and sole beneficiary 

of each of those five trusts. LKO is managed by Powers & Therrien Enterprises Inc. 

(P&T Enterprises). Mr. Powers and Mr. Therrien are the officers ofP&T Enterprises. 

The Law Firm, LKO, each ofLKO's member corporations, and P&T Enterprises all 

apparently used the same mailing address during the relevant time frame. 

In early 2004, Brian Fair retained the Law Firm in connection with Fair's 

formation of a Nevada-based LLC, which is not implicated here. Fair, who practiced 

as a certified public accountant from 1995 through 2007, had prior familiarity with 

the Law Firm through common clients. Several months later, Fair and his wife, 

without the assistance of any attorney, formed The Collection Group LLC (TCG) to 

1

Where actions are alleged to have been taken, or arguments are raised, by only Leslie 

Powers or Keith Therrien, the discussion will identify the relevant attorney using the title "Mr." 

and the pronoun "he." Where both attorneys are implicated, their joint assertions and arguments 

will be attributed to "Powers," without any title, using the pronoun "it." This terminology is used 

solely for clarity, and we intend no disrespect in using titles when referring to Mr. Powers and Mr. 

Therrien but not other individuals. 

3 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

run a debt collection business. Fair acted as manager ofTCG, and, at the time of its 

formation, TCG had only two members-Fair and his wife. 

In early fall 2004, Fair, in his capacity as TCG's agent, asked Mr. Powers if 

he, Mr. Therrien, and/or the Law Firm2 would be interested in investing in TCG and 

operating it as a joint venture. Fair proposed each party to the joint venture would 

contribute 50 percent of the costs, Fair would provide administrative and 

management services at no itemized or hourly cost, the Law Firm and/or Powers 

would provide legal services at no itemized or hourly cost, Fair would own 50 

percent of TCG, and the Law Firm and/or Powers would own the other 50 percent 

ofTCG. Powers claims it explicitly rejected this offer but suggested to Fair thatLKO 

might be interested in investing. Fair claims Mr. Powers expressed interest in the 

idea but did not give an explicit response and did not mention LKO as a prospective 

investor. This factual dispute is not material to our holding and does not require 

resolution. 

In late October 2004, Fair e-mailed Powers at its Law Firm e-mail address. 

Fair again set out his joint venture proposal and attached a proposed purchase and 

sale agreement for a debt portfolio from a company called Unifund (which is not 

otherwise implicated here) to TCG. In this e-mail, Fair described the proposed joint 

2

It is unnecessary for purposes of this decision to determine whether Fair's proposal was 

directed to all three of these parties or to some subset of them, and we do not do so. 

4 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

venture as "between myself and you two." Clerk's Papers (CP) at 22. Mr. Powers 

made extensive notations, edits, and suggestions on the proposed purchase and sale 

agreement and e-mailed this annotated version back to Fair in December 2004. 

However, Mr. Powers' e-mail did not respond directly regarding Fair's joint venture 

proposal. Mr. Powers asserts his annotations to the Unifund purchase and sale 

agreement were not for TCG's benefit; rather, they were "designed to make the 

investment safer and acceptable to our children's company [LKO]" and were a part 

of the "due diligence" required ofMr. Powers "as an officer ofthe manager and for 

the exclusive benefit of our children's company." CP at 1411. 

Apparently interpreting Mr. Powers' e-mail response as an acceptance of the 

joint venture proposal, Fair then contacted the Law Firm, through both its legal 

assistant and its boold<eeper, to request half of the funds needed to purchase the 

Unifund debt portfolio. While awaiting the funds, TCG purchased the Unifund 

portfolio with its own money. In February 2005, Fair ultimately received a check for 

half the purchase price of the Unifund debt portfolio. The check was a "counter 

check,"3 and so there was no preprinted information on the check regarding the 

account holder. Rather, the check included a handwritten notation at the upper left3 A "counter check" is a check issued by and redeemable at a banlc. WEBSTER'S THIRD NEW 

INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY 519 (2002). 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

hand corner reading, "LK Operating, LLC." CP at 833. The check was signed by 

Michele Briggs, a Law Firm employee. 

Fair asserts he had no idea what "LK Operating, LLC" was, but he recognized 

the check as precisely the amount he had requested on behalf ofTCG for the Unifund 

purchase and assumed the check came from Powers or the Law Firm, knowing Mr. 

Powers and Mr. Therrien have the first initials "L" and "K," respectively. Powers 

asserts Fair knew all along the money was coming from LKO and knew LKO was 

an entirely separate entity from the Law Firm. This factual dispute is not material to 

our decision on review and does not require resolution. 

Shortly after the first check was sent, Fair e-mailed Powers to request further 

funds on behalf of TCG and stated, "Les[lie Powers], this gives you guys 1

h 

ownership in the company. You can formalize however you wish." CP at 311. No 

written agreement or other formalization of the joint venture was proposed or entered 

by Powers or Fair. For a little over two years, Fair continued to engage in debt 

collection through TCG and requested and received multiple checks for one-half the 

purchase price of other debt portfolios; each such check was a counter check with 

"LK Operating, LLC" handwritten or typed in the upper-left hand corner, and each 

check was signed by Michele Briggs. The Law Firm, primarily through Mr. Powers 

and a legal assistant, Diane Sires, provided legal services to TCG as requested. The 

Law Firm did not bill TCG for its legal services. 

6 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

In April2007, Fair proposed to Powers a formalized joint venture agreement, 

which would modify TCG's ownership structure from that originally proposed. Fair 

proposed his percentage of ownership would be 55 percent, his mother would have 

a 7 percent interest, and Powers would have a 38 percent interest. Fair asserted this 

apportionment of ownership interest was based on the differing amounts of money 

and work each party had contributed to TCG over the years. Powers objected, 

asserting the original joint venture agreement provided for 50/50 ownership. 

On June 29,2007, Fair gave Powers notice, through their respective attorneys, 

that TCG would no longer purchase new debt portfolios and intended to contract 

with another entity for its debt collection work. P&T Enterprises, through its 

attorney, responded by stating Mr. Powers, Mr. Therrien, and the Law Firm did not 

have or claim any interest in TCG, and LKO was the only other party to the business 

transaction contemplated by TCG's joint venture proposal. LKO alleges Fair then 

began transferring TCG's accounts to another debt collection LLC, which was 

owned entirely by Fair, to the detriment ofTCG. 

On July 10, 2007, LKO filed a complaint against Fair and TCG for declaratory 

relief regarding the allocation of ownership interests in TCG, breach of contract, and 

breach of fiduciary duty (the contract action). Fair and TCG later filed a complaint 

against Powers for legal malpractice (the malpractice action). The trial court 

consolidated the actions. 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

Fair moved for partial summary judgment. Although Fair would not concede 

a joint venture agreement had in fact been entered, he argued that even if it were, 

any such agreement would be void as violative of public policy because Powers did 

not comply with former RPC 1.8(a), which restricts an attorney's ability to enter 

business transactions with current clients. TCG filed a motion for partial summary 

judgment based on an argument similar to Fair's and claimed Powers violated 

several other former RPCs in addition to former RPC 1.8(a). 

Powers filed a cross motion for partial summary judgment, requesting the trial 

court to dismiss the legal malpractice action. Powers argued that there was a joint 

venture agreement between TCG and LKO, no attorney was a party to that 

agreement, and no RPC violation could have occurred as a matter of law. Powers 

also argued that neither Fair nor TCG was a client of the Law Firm when the joint 

venture proposal was offered and accepted, so former RPC 1.8(a) would not apply 

even if Powers or the Law Firm were a party to that agreement. Finally, Powers 

asserted Fair had not suffered any damages and could not assert even a prima facie 

case for legal malpractice. LKO joined Powers' cross motion for summary 

judgment, requesting the trial court hold, as a matter oflaw, that there was no former 

RPC 1.8(a) violation. 

The trial court reviewed the voluminous materials provided by the parties, 

took the matter under advisement, and issued two memorandum decisions, 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

ultimately determining on summary judgment that Mr. Powers4 violated former RPC 

1.7 because the Law Firm simultaneously represented LKO and Fair in his personal 

capacity, without obtaining informed consent from either.5 Therefore, the trial court 

held the business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal was 

voidable pursuant to C.B.&T Co. v. Hefner, 1982-NMCA-131, 98 N.M. 594, 651 

P.2d 1029, which the trial court considered as persuasive authority, having found no 

Washington State case law directly on point. The trial court determined that 

rescission of the joint venture agreement was the appropriate remedy for Mr. 

Powers' breach of fiduciary duty regarding the former RPC 1. 7 violation. Therefore, 

the trial court determined that whether former RPC 1.8(a) was also violated was a 

moot issue. 

Consequently, the trial court entered an order, prepared by counsel for TCG, 

incorporating the court's memorandum decisions by reference, granting Fair's and 

TCG's motions for summary judgment, denying Powers' cross motion for summary 

judgment, dismissing with prejudice the claims brought by LKO against Fair and 

TCG, and reserving ruling on the questions of attorney fees and damages. On motion 

4

The trial court determined there was a genuine issue of fact as to whether Mr. Powers' 

former RPC 1. 7 violation could be imputed to Mr. Therrien. 

5

It appears the trial court raised the question of former RPC 1. 7 sua sponte. The parties do 

not challenge the propriety of this on review. 

9 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

by Fair and TCG, and over LKO's objections, the trial court then ordered the contract 

action and the malpractice action bifurcated for trial purposes. 

The remaining issues to be addressed at the contract action trial were whether 

LKO was the real party in interest, the amount of damages flowing from the 

rescission, whether and how much interest should accrue on the investments already 

made in TCG, and attorney fees. Following a bench trial, the trial court issued an 

oral decision that it would award LKO damages of the total funds it had invested in 

TCG, plus pre- and postjudgment interest. 

The parties filed substantial briefing regarding the findings of fact and 

conclusions of law that should issue following the bench trial and participated in 

further oral argument. Ultimately, the trial court entered findings of fact, conclusions 

of law, and a final judgment and order dismissing with prejudice all claims by LKO 

against Fair and his wife and marital community. In addition to the damages award 

as announced in its oral decision, the trial court awarded statutory attorney fees of 

$250 to LKO, and the court denied Fair's and TCG's request for attorney fees. LKO 

appealed, and Fair and TCG cross appealed. 

LKO argued on appeal that the trial court erred in determining that Fair or 

TCG was a Law Firm client during the relevant time period; that the trial court erred 

in ordering summary judgment when material facts were still in dispute; that even if 

there were a former RPC 1. 7 violation, it would not justify rescission; that the trial 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

court failed to properly consider all the equitable implications of rescission, 

particularly because no fraud or misrepresentation was found; and that the 

appropriate remedy, if there were a violation of former RPC 1.7, would be limited 

to an attorney disciplinary action against Mr. Powers. 

Fair and TCG argued on appeal that the trial court should be affirmed in its 

decisions that Mr. Powers violated former RPC 1. 7 and that rescission was the 

appropriate remedy. Fair and TCG also argued that the Court of Appeals could 

affirm on the alternate basis that Mr. Powers violated former RPC 1.8(a) as a matter 

of law. Mr. Powers and Mr. Therrien were permitted to intervene in the direct appeal 

in their personal capacities. Powers argued that the Court of Appeals should not 

consider the merits of whether Mr. Powers violated former RPC 1.8(a). 

The Court of Appeals, Division Three, affirmed the trial court's rescission 

order and final judgment in a published opinion. LK Operating, LLC v. Collection 

Grp., LLC, 168 Wn. App. 862, 279 P.3d 448, 287 P.3d 628 (20 12). The appellate 

court agreed Mr. Powers had violated former RPC 1. 7 but determined rescission was 

not the appropriate remedy for that violation. However, the appellate court went on 

to determine that Mr. Powers had violated former RPC 1.8(a), and that violation was 

a proper ground upon which to affirm the remedy of rescission. 

LKO and Powers petitioned for review, arguing that the Court of Appeals 

violated their due process rights in analyzing Mr. Powers' alleged violation of 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

former RPC 1.8(a) on the merits; that the Court of Appeals erred in holding Mr. 

Powers had violated former RPC 1.8(a); and that, in any event, rescission was not 

the appropriate remedy. We granted the petitions. LK Operating, LLC v. Collection 

Grp., LLC, 176 Wn.2d 1027, 301 P.3d 1048 (2013). 

II. ISSUES 

1. Did the Court of Appeals violate Powers' or LKO's due process rights 

in considering the merits of Fair's and TCG's claim that Mr. Powers entered the 

business transaction contemplated by TCG's joint venture proposal in violation of 

former RPC 1.8(a)? 

2. Did the Court of Appeals err in holding that Mr. Powers entered the 

business transaction in violation of former RPC 1. 8( a)? 

3. Did the Court of Appeals err in affirming the trial court's holding that 

Mr. Powers entered the business transaction in violation of former RPC 1.7?6 

4. Did the Court of Appeals err in affirming the trial court's remedy of 

rescission? 

III. ANALYSIS 

A. The proceedings below satisfied procedural due process 

LKO and Powers both contend that the Court of Appeals erred in considering 

the merits of Mr. Powers' alleged former RPC 1.8(a) violation because doing so 

violated their due process rights under article I, section 3 of the Washington State 

6

Powers raises this issue in the companion case, which is before this court on direct appeal 

pursuant to RAP 4.4. LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88846-9. Because it has 

significantly more relevance to this opinion and very little relevance to the resolution of the 

companion case, Mr. Powers' alleged former RPC 1.7 violation is addressed only here, and is 

reviewed in light of the conclusions reached on direct appeal. Cf RAP 2.4(b)(l). We do not address 

the former RPC 1. 7 issues in the companion case to avoid unnecessarily duplicative opinions. Cf 

Sprague v. Safeco Ins. Co. of Am., 174 Wn.2d 524, 528,276 P.3d 1270 (2012). 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

Constitution and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States 

Constitution.7 Constitutional challenges present questions of law reviewed de novo. 

City of Redmond v. Moore, 151 Wn.2d 664, 668, 91 P.3d 875 (2004). 

We are first tasked with evaluating the interests Powers and LKO assert to 

determine whether they assert life, liberty, or property interests subject to due 

process protections as a matter of law. Wilkinson v. Austin, 545 U.S. 209, 221, 125 

S. Ct. 2384, 162 L. Ed. 2d 174 (2005). Ifwe hold that either party asserts a protected 

interest, we must then determine whether, in light of the protected interest at stake, 

the proceedings below were sufficient to satisfy due process demands. Ky. Dep 't of 

Carr. v. Thompson, 490 U.S. 454, 460, 109 S. Ct. 1904, 104 L. Ed. 2d 506 (1989). 

We hold that Powers has not asserted any interest in this litigation subject to 

due process protections. LKO has asserted a protected property interest in 

enforcement of the business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal, 

but the proceedings below satisfied due process. 

1. Powers does not assert any interest in the contract action subject to due 

process protections 

Powers has repeatedly denied any interest in the enforcement of the business 

transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal itself. Powers' asserted 

interests in the contract action are Powers' professional reputation and license to 

7

We presume the analysis is the same under both constitutions, as the parties do not contend 

otherwise. See Hardee v. Dep 't ofSoc. & Health Servs., 172 Wn.2d 1, 7 n.7, 256 P.3d 339 (2011). 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

practice law. 8 Neither is subject to procedural due process protections under the 

circumstances presented herein. 

Neither Mr. Powers' nor Mr. Therrien's asserted interest in his professional 

reputation is, without more, a liberty or property interest subject to procedural due 

process protections. In re Pers. Restraint ofMeyer, 142 Wn.2d 608, 620-22, 16 P.3d 

563 (2001) (citing Paul v. Davis, 424 U.S. 693, 96 S. Ct. 1155, 47 L. Ed. 2d 405 

(1976)). The reputational interest (as opposed to professional licensing interest) the 

attorneys assert is consistent with the "interest in reputation and future employment 

opportunities" the United States Supreme Court has held is not subject to due process 

protections. Jd. at 620 (citing Paul, 424 U.S. at 701; see Br. of Intervenors or Br. of 

Amici Les Powers and Keith Therrien at 4 ("Powers could ... suffer harm to his 

personal and professional reputation. Therrien, as Powers' law partner, could 

likewise be prejudiced personally and professionally."). While the Law Firm could 

possibly assert a protectable business interest in its reputation in the community, the 

Law Firm, as an entity, is not a party in the matter on review before this court. 

As to Powers' interest in its license to practice law, that interest is not 

implicated here. The authority Powers offers to show an attorney has a due process 

8

Powers' interests in the contract action, for due process purposes, are not actually 

identified in Powers' briefing to this court. Pursuant to RAP 1.2, we will assume Powers asserts 

the same interests here as those it asserted to justify its intervention in the direct appeal pursuant 

to RAP 10.6(b). See Br. oflntervenors or Br. of Amici Les Powers and Keith Therrien at 4. 

14 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

right to participate in his or her own disciplinary proceedings is not material. E.g., 

ELC 2.13(a), 10.11, 10.13, and 10.14(b); In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against 

Haley, 156 Wn.2d 324, 126 P.3d 1262 (2006); In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against 

Greenlee, 82 Wn.2d 390, 510 P.2d 1120 (1973); In re Disciplinary Proceeding 

Against Little, 40 Wn.2d 421, 244 P.2d 255 (1952). Attorney disciplinary actions 

implicate the respondent attorney's interests directly in ways that are simply not 

comparable to the interests at stake in other legal proceedings where RPC violations 

are legally relevant. 

In the attorney discipline context, a respondent attorney may be subject to 

financial penalties, limitations on the attorney's license to practice law, or both. ELC 

13.1. Governmental restrictions on or deprivations of one's professional license 

clearly implicate interests subject to due process protections. Wash. Med. 

Disciplinary Bd. v. Johnston, 99 Wn.2d 466, 4 7 4, 663 P .2d 457 ( 1983 ). The potential 

for such consequences easily justifies the application of due process protections in 

attorney disciplinary matters. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Romero, 152 

Wn.2d 124, 136-37, 94 P.3d 939 (2004). 

No comparable potential consequence attaches here-no money judgment 

was issued against Powers or the Law Firm, and Powers' license to practice law 

cannot be limited in any way as a direct consequence of this proceeding. Attorney 

disciplinary actions require a higher standard of proof than the civil preponderance 

15 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

standard, ELC 10 .14(b ), and whether a given set of facts establish an RPC violation 

is a question of law, In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against King, 170 Wn.2d 738, 

741, 246 P.3d 1232 (2011). Further, even when an RPC violation has been proved 

in a disciplinary proceeding, the violation is not, in itself, sufficient to impose any 

discipline on the attorney. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Cramer, 165 

Wn.2d 323, 339, 198 P.3d 485 (2008); In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against 

McGlothlen, 99 Wn.2d 515, 526-27, 663 P.2d 1330 (1983) (holding that while 

respondent attorney violated former Code of Professional Responsibility 

Disciplinary Rule 5-l 04 ( 1972) in entering a business transaction with a client 

without necessary safeguards, professional discipline was not warranted due to the 

"relatively undefined" nature of the attorney-client relationship at issue, the 

attorney's good faith, and the lack of harm to the client). 

Because Powers' asserted interests are either not subject to due process 

protections or not implicated here, Powers could not have been deprived of due 

process in the proceedings below, as a matter of law. 

2. LKO was provided sufficient due process to protect its interest 

LKO plainly asserts a protected interest in the enforcement of the business 

transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal and is entitled to due process 

in any judicial proceeding in which it faces potential deprivation of that interest. Cf 

Dix Steel Co. v. Miles Constr., Inc., 74 Wn.2d 114, 119, 443 P.2d 532 (1968) ("The 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

courts will uphold whatever lawful agreement the parties made with each other."). 

LKO argues it had no meaningful opportunity to present a defense regarding the 

alleged former RPC 1.8(a) violation because the trial court did not adjudicate that 

issue, determining at summary judgment that it was moot. LKO' s arguments do not 

establish any procedural due process violation; at most, LKO alleges legal errors, 

subject to review by this court. 

In the context of a judicial proceeding, where a denial of due process is 

alleged, a reviewing court must consider: 

"The precise nature of the interest that has been adversely affected, the 

manner in which this was done, the reasons for doing it, the available 

alternatives to the procedure that was followed, the protection implicit 

in the office of the functionary whose conduct is challenged, [and] the 

balance of hurt complained of and good accomplished." 

Olympic Forest Prods., Inc. v. Chaussee Corp., 82 Wn.2d 418, 423-24, 511 P.2d 

1002 (1973) (alteration in original) (quoting Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Comm. v. 

McGrath, 341 U.S. 123, 163, 71 S. Ct. 624, 95 L. Ed. 817 (1951) (Frankfurter, J., 

concurring)). "[D]ue process requires, at a minimum, that absent a countervailing 

state interest of overriding significance, persons forced to settle their claims of right 

and duty through the judicial process must be given a meaningful opportunity to be 

heard." Boddie v. Connecticut, 401 U.S. 371, 377, 91 S. Ct. 780, 28 L. Ed. 2d 113 

(1971). 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

The nature of the interest here is LKO' s property interest in the business 

transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal-this interest is purely 

financial, and so the level of due process that is constitutionally required, though 

real, is on the low end of the spectrum. Hardee v. Dep 't of Soc. & Health Servs., 172 

Wn.2d 1, 23-24 & n.l3, 256 P.3d 339 (2011). 

The record clearly shows LKO had sufficient notice that former RPC 1.8(a) 

would be at issue on appeal. Fair raised former RPC 1.8 as an issue before any of 

this litigation commenced; at the trial court level, TCG moved for partial summary 

judgment based, in part, on an argument that Powers violated former RPC 1.8(a); 

TCG and Fair raised the former RPC 1.8(a) issue in their direct cross appeal;9 and 

Powers was permitted to intervene and file briefing at the Court of Appeals regarding 

the former RPC 1.8(a) issue. 

LKO also had ample opportunity to be heard on the question of Powers' 

former RPC 1.8(a) violation, and both Powers and LKO presented forceful 

arguments to the Court of Appeals that former RPC 1.8(a) did not apply to the 

business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal as a matter of law. 

Where an issue of law is raised, briefed, and argued by the parties but not decided 

by the trial court, an appellate court may resolve the issue on review, and that is what 

9

LKO's assertion that the Court of Appeals raised the former RPC 1.8 issue sua sponte is 

not supported by the record but would not, in itself, constitute a due process violation in any event. 

See City of Seattle v. McCready, 123 Wn.2d 260,268-70, 868 P.2d 134 (1994). 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

happened here. Cf Weden v. San Juan County, 135 Wn.2d 678, 695-96, 958 P.2d 

273 (1998); Bockv. State, 91 Wn.2d 94,95 n.1, 586 P.2d 1173 (1978). 

LKO argues two alternative procedures should have been employed in the 

context of the matter before us. We hold neither was required to comply with 

procedural due process. LKO first argues that the trial court should have sua sponte 

joined Powers as a necessary or indispensable party to the bench trial on the contract 

action. 10 LKO does not specify whether it means to argue Powers was merely a 

necessary party within the meaning of CR 19(a), or also an indispensable party 

within the meaning of CR 19(b). See generally Auto. United Trades Org. v. State, 

175 Wn.2d 214, 222-35, 285 P.3d 52 (2012). In either event, this argument is 

unpersuasive in light of substantial authority outside the attorney disciplinary 

context where courts have needed to determine whether a nonparty attorney violated 

one or more RPCs to resolve claims between the parties. E.g., State v. Shelmidine, 

166 Wn. App. 107, 114, 269 P.3d 362 (2012) (rejecting ineffective assistance of 

counsel claim because "defense counsel could competently and diligently represent 

Shelmidine in compliance with the RPCs"); Sanders v. Woods, 121 Wn. App. 593, 

597-600, 89 P.3d 312 (2004) (reversing trial court's refusal to disqualify 

10LKO notes that Powers did not testify at trial. We cannot make any factual findings as to 

why Powers did not testify. Old Windmill Ranch v. Smotherman, 69 Wn.2d 383,390-91,418 P.2d 

720 (1996). We also do not draw any legal conclusions therefrom-distinct inquiries are presented 

in determining whether a party is necessary, whether a witness may testify as a matter of law, and 

whether a witness should testify as a matter of trial strategy. Compare, e.g., CR 19, withER 601, 

and State v. Thomas, 71 Wn.2d 470,472,429 P.2d 231 (1967). 

19 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

respondent's attorney where attorney had a conflict of interest under RPC 1.9); Pub. 

Util. Dist. No. 1 of Klickitat County v. Int'l Ins. Co., 124 Wn.2d 789, 811-12, 881 

P .2d 1020 ( 1994) (affirming trial court's refusal to disqualify respondent's attorney 

in light of RPC 3.7); see generally Ellen S. Podgor, Criminal Misconduct: Ethical 

Rule Usage Leads to Regulation of the Legal Profession, 61 TEMP. L. REv. 1323, 

1333-35 & nn.66-74, 78-83 (1988). 

LKO also argues the Court of Appeals should have sua sponte directed further 

fact-finding pursuant to RAP 9.11 because the record did not contain sufficient, 

undisputed facts to decide Fair's and TCG's claim regarding former RPC 1.8(a). 

However, the protections inherent in judicial review ensure that, even assuming the 

Court of Appeals should have requested further fact-finding, its failure to do so was 

an error of law, not a due process violation. If the Court of Appeals erroneously 

made and relied on new factual findings to support its holdings, those findings are 

mere surplusage to be disregarded on review. Grader v. City of Lynnwood, 45 Wn. 

App. 876, 879, 728 P.2d 1057 (1986). Ifthe undisputed facts in the record do not 

support the Court of Appeals' holdings as a matter oflaw, those holdings are subject 

to reversal by this court. DGHI Enters. v. Pac. Cities, Inc., 137 Wn.2d 933, 942-43, 

977 P.2d 1231 (1999). 

Based on the foregoing, the proceedings below did not violate either Powers' 

or LKO's rights to procedural due process. 

20 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

B. The Court of Appeals did not err in holding Mr. Powers entered the business 

transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal in violation of former 

RPC 1.8(a) 

Whether a given set of facts establish an RPC violation is a question of law 

subject to de novo review. King, 170 Wn.2d at 741. Because the alleged violation of 

former RPC 1.8(a) is before this court, ultimately upon TCG's and Fair's motion for 

summary judgment at the trial level, all reasonable inferences and disputed facts will 

be construed in favor of LKO and Powers, the nonmoving parties. Schroeder v. 

Excelsior Mgmt. Grp., LLC, 177 Wn.2d 94, 104,297 P.3d 677 (2013). 11 

In determining that the business transaction contemplated by the joint venture 

proposal was entered in violation of former RPC 1.8(a),12 the Court of Appeals held 

as follows: 

Mr. Powers may not have been the "alter ego" of LKO but that is not 

dispositive. He accepted the offer to invest in TCG in his capacity as an 

attorney and then caused LKO to contribute the funds. He had a 

substantial interest in the success ofLKO-it was his family. 

LK Operating, 168 Wn. App. at 880. LKO and Powers argue that the Court of 

Appeals' decision renders the contours of former RPC 1.8(a) unconstitutionally 

11 RAP 9.12 notwithstanding, in order to facilitate a decision on the merits, we conduct our 

review in light of the entire record. RAP 1.2(a), (c); Eagle Pac. Ins. Co. v. Christensen Motor 

Yacht Corp., 85 Wn. App. 695, 702, 934 P.2d 715 (1997). The record includes the trial court's 

findings of fact following the bench trial in the contract action. Those findings are not challenged 

on review and thus treated as verities. State v. Hill, 123 Wn.2d 641, 644, 870 P.2d 313 (1994). 

Additionally, any facts the trial court deemed undisputed at summary judgment became established 

facts in the contract action at the point the bench trial commenced. CR 56( d). This approach is 

consistent with that taken in the parties' briefing. 

12Former RPC 1.8 has many subsections. Though the Court of Appeals does not specify, it 

is clear it based its holding on former RPC 1.8(a). 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

vague because it applies former RPC 1.8(a) to a business transaction solely between 

nonlawyers-TCG and LKO. We agree that the Court of Appeals' ruling could be 

misread as giving former RPC 1.8(a) an overly nebulous scope. However, that does 

not end our inquiry, as an appellate court may affirm a decision on any ground 

supported by the record. Otis Hous. Ass 'n v. Ha, 165 Wn.2d 582, 587, 201 P.3d 309 

(2009). 

We begin with the text of the rule at issue. At the relevant time, former RPC 

1.8 provided in part: 

A lawyer who is representing a client in a matter: 

(a) Shall not enter into a business transaction with a client or 

knowingly acquire an ownership, possessory, security or other 

pecuniary interest adverse to a client unless: 

( 1) The transaction and terms on which the lawyer acquires the 

interest are fair and reasonable to the client and are fully disclosed and 

transmitted in writing to the client in a manner which can be reasonably 

understood by the client; 

(2) The client is given a reasonable opportunity to seek the advice 

of independent counsel in the transaction; and 

(3) The client consents thereto. 

LKO and Powers argue TCG's joint venture proposal led to an agreement between 

only LKO and TCG, and because neither is an attorney, former RPC 1.8(a) cannot 

apply as a matter of law. TCG and Fair, meanwhile, argue Mr. Powers entered the 

business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal, as did his client 

TCG, and Mr. Powers did not comply with former RPC 1.8(a) as required. 

22 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

We agree with TCG and Fair. The business transaction at issue, for the 

purposes of former RPC 1.8(a), is comprised of all the terms TCG proposed in its 

October 2004 e-mail to Powers. One such term was that TCG would give up an 

ownership interest in its business in exchange for no-cost legal services. As such, 

the business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal is within the 

scope of former RPC 1.8(a) and the attorney providing legal services pursuant to this 

business transaction would be subject to the requirements of former RPC 1.8(a). It 

is undisputed Mr. Powers provided TCG legal services pursuant to the business 

transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal, and Mr. Powers did not meet 

the requirements of former RPC 1.8(a). 

1. The business transaction at issue is the entire set of arrangements 

contemplated by the joint venture proposal 

To determine whether former RPC 1.8(a) applies at all, a preliminary issue is 

what, precisely, the underlying business transaction actually is. The benefits and 

burdens that were to be exchanged are not disputed, but the appropriate 

characterization of that exchange, and to whom the benefits and burdens were 

intended to accrue, is heavily disputed. 

LKO and Powers characterize the arrangements as follows: LKO, through Mr. 

Powers as its agent, accepted TCG's joint venture proposal as offered in a late 

October 2004 e-mail. In doing so, LKO assumed responsibility for 50 percent of 

TCG's costs and for arranging, at no additional cost, the legal services TCG needed 

23 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

to run its business. In exchange, LKO received a 50 percent ownership interest in 

TCG. LKO then made an entirely separate, unwritten agreement with Mr. Powers 

that the Law Firm would provide TCG's legal services. Wash. Supreme Court oral 

argument, LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 (Oct. 8, 2013), 

at 13 min., 22 sec., audio recording by TVW, Washington State's Public Affairs 

Network, available at http://www.tvw.org. Because this issue is before us on 

summary judgment, we assume that LKO's and Powers' characterization is an 

accurate description of the facts. 

We hold that the relevant business transaction, for purposes of former RPC 

1.8(a), encompasses all the terms of TCG's joint venture proposal as set forth in 

Fair's October 2004 e-mail. The agreement by which Mr. Powers and LKO divided 

the benefits and burdens of the business transaction between themselves does not, as 

a matter of law and under the facts presented, change the essential nature of the 

business transaction at issue for the purposes ofTCG's claim that the agreement was 

entered in violation of former RPC 1.8(a). 

When interpreting the meaning of any RPC, we apply settled principles of 

statutory construction. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Blauvelt, 115 Wn.2d 

735, 741, 801 P.2d 235 (1990). Our goal is to give effect to the intent behind the 

rule, which we discern, where possible, from the plain language of the rule at issue 

in the context of the RPCs as a whole. In re Pers. Restraint of Adams, 178 Wn.2d 

24 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

417, 423, 309 P.3d 451 (2013). Former RPC 1.8(a) applies to "business 

transaction[s]." This term is not defined within the RPCs, so we look to dictionary 

definitions for its ordinary meaning. State v. Taylor, 150 Wn.2d 599, 602, 80 P.3d 

605 (2003). Even if LKO and Powers are correct in their assertion that this case 

presents two discrete agreements, it presents only one business transaction, within 

the ordinary meaning of that term. 

A "business transaction" may be defined as "[a]n action that affects the actor's 

financial or economic interests, including the making of a contract." BLACK'S LAW 

DICTIONARY 227 (9th ed. 2009). Under this definition, because "transactions" 

include "contracts," "transactions" necessarily represents a broader set of 

arrangements than "contracts"-in the same sense that all squares are rectangles but 

not all rectangles are squares. If former RPC 1.8(a) were intended to apply only to 

the narrower set of discrete "contracts," the rule would use the word "contract," 

rather than the broader term "transaction." See In re Dependency of J. W.H, 147 

Wn.2d 687, 696, 57 P.3d 266 (2002) ("Unambiguous statutory language is accorded 

its plain meaning on the theory that the legislature is presumed to mean 'exactly 

what it says.'" (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Davis v. Dep't of 

Licensing, 137 Wn.2d 957, 964, 977 P.2d 554 (1999))). Former RPC 1.8(a) uses the 

broader term, and we interpret that language as a conscious choice on the part of the 

drafters. 

25 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

Further support for this broad definition can be found in the comments to the 

corresponding American Bar Association's former Model Rules of Professional 

Conduct (2004) (Model Rules), which we may look to as an "'instructive"' resource 

when considering the application of the former RPCs. 13 In re Disciplinary 

Proceeding Against Carmick, 146 Wn.2d 582, 595, 48 P.3d 311 (2002) (quoting 

State v. Hunsaker, 74 Wn. App. 38, 46,873 P.2d 540 (1994)). The comments provide 

that the rule governs transactions "even when the transaction is not closely related 

to the subject matter of the representation." MODEL RULES R. 1.8 cmt. 1. They further 

specify where certain agreements that might normally be considered "business 

transactions" are not covered: 

It does not apply to ordinary fee arrangements between client and 

lawyer, which are governed by Rule 1.5, although its requirements must 

be met when the lawyer accepts an interest in the client's business or 

other nonmonetary property as payment of all or part of a fee. In 

addition, the Rule does not apply to standard commercial transactions 

between the lawyer and the client for products or services that the client 

generally markets to others. 

Id. The decision to include defined, specific exemptions indicates that anything 

reasonably characterized as an attorney-client business transaction is subject to the 

13 At the time the joint venture proposal was made and acted upon, former RPC 1.8(a) did 

not have any official commentary; official comments were first added to the RPCs in 2006. WASH. 

STATE BAR Ass'N, Report and Recommendation of the Special Committee for Evaluation of the 

Rules a/Professional Conduct (Ethics 2003) to the Board ofGovernors 9 (2004), available at 

http://www. wsba.org/Resources-and-Services/Ethics/Ethics-2003/Final-Report (Report - Part 1 

(Table of Contents, Overview, Summary of Recommendations, Conclusion)); Johanna M. Ogden, 

Comment, Washington's New Rules of Professional Conduct: A Balancing Act, 30 SEATTLE U. L. 

REv. 245, 246 (2006). 

26 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

rule's requirements unless specifically exempted. See In re Disciplinary Proceeding 

Against Sanai, 177 Wn.2d 743, 767-68, 302 P.3d 864 (2013). 

As characterized by LKO and Powers, in entering the joint venture with TCG, 

LKO assumed a contractual duty to arrange for the provision of TCG's legal 

services. If LKO had not done so, the tenns of the joint venture-the "action" by 

which TCG's "financial or economic interest[]" was to be "affect[ ed]," BLACK'S 

LAw DICTIONARY at 227-would not have been completed. 14 It is thus clear that the 

agreement between LKO and Mr. Powers arranging for TCG's legal services was 

nothing more than an incidental component of the overall business transaction set 

forth in TCG's joint venture proposal. 

In the context of former RPC 1.8(a), we cannot hold the joint venture between 

LKO and TCG represents a distinct business transaction from the agreement 

arranging for TCG's legal services between LKO and Mr. Powers. Under the 

particular factual circumstances presented and for purposes of former RPC 1.8(a), 

we hold the relevant business transaction encompasses all the terms contemplated 

by TCG's joint venture proposal as memorialized in its October 2004 e-mail to 

14We do not mean to imply that had LKO not arranged for legal services, TCG's financial 

interest would be entirely unaffected on a theory that such partial nonperformance might allow 

TCG to rescind the business transaction based on contract principles (or any similar argument). 

We are not asked to and do not make any such determination. 

27 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

Powers. These terms are not disputed, and we are thus able to analyze whether and 

how former RPC 1.8(a) applies as a matter of law. 

2. The terms of the business transaction at issue place it within the scope 

of former RPC 1.8(a) 

Having defined the relevant business transaction, we must next determine 

whether, based on its terms, that transaction falls within the scope of former RPC 

1.8(a). We hold it does because the joint venture proposed an exchange of legal 

services for an ownership interest in TCG, notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Powers 

did not personally acquire that ownership interest. 

Construed in the light most favorable to Powers and LKO, TCG became a 

Law Firm client contemporaneously with and by virtue of the business transaction 

contemplated by TCG's joint venture proposal. Ordinarily, a business transaction 

entered at the outset of an attorney-client relationship establishing the amount and 

terms of payment the client will tender in exchange for legal services-that is to say, 

a fee agreement-would be governed by former RPC 1. 5. MODEL RULES R. 1. 8 cmt. 

1. However, where "the lawyer accepts an interest in the client's business or other 

nonmonetary property as payment of all or part of a fee," former RPC 1.8(a) also 

applies. MODEL RULES R. 1.8 cmt. 1. 

This case presents an unusual situation. TCG offered an ownership interest in 

itself as consideration for legal services and financial contributions. Because we 

construe the facts in favor of the nonmoving parties, we assume neither Powers nor 

28 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

LKO ever intended that the consideration offered by TCG would flow to the attorney 

actually providing legal services (Mr. Powers). Rather, we assume the consideration 

offered by TCG was intended by Powers and LKO to flow solely to LK0. 15 

Nevertheless, former RPC 1.8(a) is implicated where an attorney "enter[s] 

into a business transaction with a client or knowingly acquire[s] an ownership, 

possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client." Under ordinary 

principles of statutory construction, the use of the disjunctive clearly contemplates a 

situation where an attorney enters a business transaction with a client without 

actually acquiring any pecuniary interest adverse to the client (or vice versa). See 

State v. Hecht, 173 Wn.2d 92, 94-95, 264 P.3d 801 (2011) (citing In reMarriage of 

Caven, 136 Wn.2d 800, 807, 966 P.2d 1247 (1998)). 

Based on the terms of the joint venture proposal, we can conclude only that 

any attorney providing TCG with legal services pursuant to the proposal's terms 

would necessarily effect a transfer ofTCG's ownership interest away from TCG and 

to some other party. Therefore, that attorney, assuming he or she was aware of the 

proposal terms, would have accepted a business transaction wherein an ownership 

in the client's business would clearly be exchanged for legal services. Whether the 

15C,f Wash. Supreme Court oral argument, LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, 

No. 88846-9 (Oct. 8, 2013), at 31 min., 53 sec., audio recording by TVW, Washington State's 

Public Affairs Network, available at http://www.tvw.org (Powers asserting at oral argument in the 

companion case that the only consideration Mr. Powers received for his legal services to TCG was 

the psychological benefit of aiding LKO's investment in TCG). 

29 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

attorney and a third party agreed between themselves that the third party would take 

possession of that ownership interest is not material to the question actually 

presented-Where a joint venture proposal for a business transaction offers a share 

in the client's business in exchange for attorney services and financial contributions, 

does an attorney providing legal services pursuant to the terms of the proposal have 

to comply with former RPC 1.8(a)? The answer, under the circumstances presented 

and as discussed above, is clearly yes. 

3. Mr. Powers entered the business transaction at issue in his capacity as 

an attorney 

Thus far, we have established that all terms of the joint venture proposal 

comprise a single business transaction, for purposes of former RPC 1.8(a), and we 

have established that the terms of that transaction necessarily implicate former RPC 

1.8(a) as to the attorney who provided legal services pursuant to that transaction. 

Now we must determine whether Mr. Powers is that attorney. We have little 

difficulty in doing so. 

Powers and LKO rightly argue that as a general proposition, the RPCs govern 

only attorney conduct. 16 See, e.g., RPC pmbl. para. 13 ("Lawyers play a vital role in 

the preservation of society. The fulfillment of this role requires an understanding by 

16There are exceptions to this general proposition, but none are relevant here. E.g., RPC 

5.3 (requiring attorneys with managerial or supervisory authority to make reasonable efforts to 

ensure nonattorney assistants comply with the RPCs). 

30 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

lawyers of their relationship to our legal system. The [RPCs], when properly applied, 

serve to define that relationship."). Therefore, Powers and LKO argue that former 

RPC 1.8(a) cannot apply to the business transaction contemplated by TCG's joint 

venture proposal if that transaction was solely between nonattomeys. However, 

based on the undisputed facts and as a matter of law, Mr. Powers did enter this 

business transaction, at least in part, in his capacity as an attorney. 

As discussed above, the joint venture proposal contemplated the exchange of 

an ownership interest in TCG for legal services and financial investments. The trial 

court found, and the parties do not dispute, that "LKO is not a law firm, and is not 

in the business of providing legal services." CP at 1252. The trial court also found, 

and the parties do not dispute, that "[p ]rofessionallegal services sought by TCG as 

part of the Proposal were provided by Powers & Therrien, P.S." CP at 2304. In light 

of these findings, and because the business transaction at issue for purposes of 

former RPC 1.8(a) includes all terms in the joint venture proposal, it simply cannot 

be the case that only TCG and LKO were parties to that business transaction. Mr. 

Powers, LKO, and TCG all entered the business transaction at issue. Because Mr. 

Powers' role in this business transaction was, at least in part, the provision of legal 

services to TCG, it is axiomatic that Mr. Powers entered the business transaction in 

his role as an attorney. See GR 24(a). 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

LKO and Powers assert that because the damages following rescission were 

awarded to only LKO, the trial court made an implied finding of fact that the 

business transaction at issue was between exactly two parties-LKO and TCG. This 

is incorrect. The fact that the damages were awarded to LKO simply reflects the trial 

court's finding that LKO made the financial contributions in TCG contemplated by 

the joint venture proposal. It is undisputed that financial contributions were not the 

only consideration TCG was to receive under the joint venture proposal-TCG 

would also receive legal services at no cost to run its business. 

The trial court did not decide whether Powers violated former RPC 1.8(a) and 

did not analyze the scope of the relevant business transaction or parties thereto within 

the meaning of that rule. The record contains no written17 findings on this issue, and, 

indeed, the findings that were entered suggest the trial court intentionally declined 

to reach it. CP at 2311-12. 18 The fact that there is no explicit trial court decision on 

17We look to the trial court's written findings, rather than its oral statements, as a trial court 

is free to reconsider its determinations between the time it announces an oral decision and the time 

it enters written findings. Ferree v. Doric Co., 62 Wn.2d 561, 566-67, 383 P.2d 900 (1963). 

18Final judgment entered by the trial court, including the phrase "the court having ruled 

that TCG is liable to plaintiff as a result of the court previously having found that any business 

transaction between LKO and TCG is subject to rescission." CP at 2311-12. 

The trial court clearly handwrote the word "any." CP at 2312. "Washington courts have 

repeatedly construed the word 'any' to mean 'every' and 'all'." State v. Smith, 117 Wn.2d 263, 

271, 814 P.2d 652 (1991). The trial court's intentional use ofthis "broad and inclusive term," S.L. 

Rowland Construction Co. v. Beall Pipe & Tank Corp., 14 Wn. App. 297, 306, 540 P.2d 912 

(1975), reflects the care taken by the trial court to ensure its findings and conclusions accurately 

reflected only the determinations it actually made. That one determination it did not make was the 

precise nature of and parties to the business transactions underlying this case for the purposes of 

former RPC 1.8(a). 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

the scope of or parties to the transaction is significant because the record clearly 

reflects an admirable level of care and conscientiousness on the part of the trial 

judge. 19 

Finally, even if the trial court had clearly determined the business transaction 

at issue was limited to a joint venture agreement between LKO and TCG, such a 

determination would rest on the interpretation of former RPC 1.8(a) as applied to a 

given factual arrangement-a matter of law, not one of fact. 

The business transaction at issue provided that TCG would receive financial 

investments and professional legal services. It is undisputed that LKO provided the 

financial investments and Mr. Powers and the Law Firm provided the legal services. 

As a matter of law, TCG, LKO, and Mr. Powers were all parties to the business 

transaction at issue. In providing legal services to TCG pursuant to this business 

transaction, Mr. Powers necessarily acted in his capacity as an attorney. GR 24(a). 

Therefore, as a matter of law, this business transaction was not solely between 

nonlawyers. 

4. Mr. Powers violated former RPC 1.8(a) as a matter of law 

Because the business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal 

falls within the scope of former RPC 1.8(a) and because Mr. Powers entered the 

19For instance, the clerk's papers contain over 150 pages of materials relating solely to the 

entry of findings, conclusions, and judgment following the bench trial held in the contract action, 

including memoranda, multiple proposed drafts by the parties, and minute entries from several 

hearings. CP at 2149-258, 2269-313. 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

transaction in his role as an attorney, we are now tasked with determining whether 

Mr. Powers complied with former RPC 1.8(a). "The burden of proving compliance 

with RPC 1.8 rests with the lawyer; 'an attorney-client transaction is prima facie 

fraudulent."' Valley/50th Ave., LLC v. Stewart, 159 Wn.2d 736, 745, 153 P.3d 186 

(2007) (quoting In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Johnson, 118 Wn.2d 693, 

704, 826 P.2d 186 (1992)). "A lawyer must prove strict compliance with the 

safeguards ofRPC 1.8(a)." Jd. 

Based on the undisputed facts taken in the light most favorable to LKO, Mr. 

Powers did not meet the requirements of former RPC 1.8(a). While it is undisputed 

that TCG proposed the initial terms, the agreement ultimately entered was not the 

same as the agreement originally proposed. The parties do not dispute that the joint 

venture proposal was made by TCG to Powers. As discussed above, the resulting 

business transaction ultimately entered was between TCG, Powers, and LKO. 

Powers and LKO acknowledge Mr. Powers never made any written communication 

to TCG setting forth the final parties to the joint venture and the parties' respective 

roles. Surely the parties to a transaction are essential terms of that transaction. It does 

not matter that the trial court found that TCG did not care who made the financial 

investment-compliance with former RPC 1.8(a) is entirely the attorney's 

responsibility, Valley/50th Ave., 159 Wn.2d at 745, and the rule contains no 

exceptions for apathetic clients. 

34 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

' LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

Because the business transaction contemplated in the joint venture proposal 

was never memorialized in a writing reflecting both its provisions and the parties to 

it, the "transaction and terms" were not "fully disclosed and transmitted in writing 

to the client" as required by former RPC 1.8(a)(l). We need go no further to hold 

the business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal was entered in 

violation of former RPC 1.8(a). 

C. The Court of Appeals did not err in holding Mr. Powers violated former RPC 

1.7 

On review, it is abundantly clear that Mr. Powers did, as a matter of law, 

violate former RPC 1. 7, 20 as the Court of Appeals correctly held in LK Operating, 

168 Wn. App. at 872-73. We see no need to expand on the Court of Appeals' analysis 

on this point: 

2

°Former RPC 1. 7 provides, in pertinent part: 

(a) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client 

will be directly adverse to another client, unless: 

(1) The lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not adversely 

affect the relationship with the other client; and 

(2) Each client consents in writing after consultation and a full disclosure of 

the material facts (following authorization from the other client to make such a 

disclosure). 

(b) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client 

may be materially limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client or to a 

third person, or by the lawyer's own interests, unless: 

(1) The lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not be adversely 

affect; and 

(2) The client consents in writing after consultation and a full disclosure of 

the material facts (following authorization from the other client to make such a 

disclosure). When representation of multiple clients in a single matter is 

undertaken, the consultation shall include explanation of the implications of the 

common representation and the advantages and risks involved. 

35 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

Mr. Powers represented both Mr. Fair and LKO in separate, 

unrelated matters and then represented LKO in the business transaction 

with Mr. Fair by relaying the investment proposal and forwarding the 

funds. Mr. Powers had a duty to disclose his personal interest in LKO, 

his legal duties as manager of LKO, and his professional duties as an 

attorney for LKO. The representation of Mr. Fair was directly adverse 

to the representation ofLKO in the transaction and there is no evidence 

that either client gave informed consent in writing. 

Id. at 873. We affirm. 

D. The Court of Appeals did not err in affirming the trial court's rescission of the 

business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal 

LKO asserts that rescinding the business transaction contemplated by the joint 

venture proposal was not the proper remedy because it penalizes LKO, which did 

nothing wrong. As a matter of law, "[c]ontract terms are unenforceable on grounds 

of public policy when the interest in its enforcement is clearly outweighed by a 

public policy against the enforcement of such terms." State v. Noah, 103 Wn. App. 

29, 50, 9 P.3d 858 (2001) (citing RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF CONTRACTS § 178 

(1981)). We hold, as a matter of law, that the business transaction contemplated by 

the joint venture proposal is unenforceable on public policy grounds, and we affirm 

the remedy imposed by the trial court. 

1. Contracts formed in violation of the RPCs are unenforceable to the 

extent that they contravene public policy 

We have previously and repeatedly held that violations of the RPCs or the 

former Code ofProfessional Responsibility in the formation of a contract may render 

that contract unenforceable as violative of public policy. E.g., Valley/50th Ave., 159 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

Wn.2d at 743; Belli v. Shaw, 98 Wn.2d 569,578,657 P.2d 315 (1983). We take this 

opportunity to explain why and to address the concerns raised by the dissent. 

a) The RPCs can be sources of public policy relevant to the 

enforceability of contracts 

'"In general, a contract which is not prohibited by statute, condemned by 

judicial decision, or contrary to the public morals contravenes no principle of public 

policy."' State Farm Gen. Ins. Co. v. Emerson, 102 Wn.2d 477, 481, 687 P.2d 1139 

(1984) (quoting 17 C.J.S. Contracts § 211, at 1024 (1963)). Former RPC 1.8(a) is 

not a statute, of course, and we decline to address the nebulous realm of the public 

morals in this opinion. 

One could argue the RPCs, as rules promulgated by this court, represent a 

"judicial decision," but it is not necessary to do so because there is nothing talismanic 

about the words "statute" or "judicial decision." If there were, we could not find 

principles of public policy in, for example, the state and federal constitutions or court 

rules governing civil procedure. Our cases, however, have recognized both as 

potential public policy sources. Torgerson v. One Lincoln Tower, LLC, 166 Wn.2d 

510, 524, 210 P.3d 318 (2009) (distinguishing, but implicitly approving, a Court of 

Appeals opinion holding a contract violates public policy where it would, among 

other concerns, injure a person's "right to counsel and to a fair trial" (citing Marshall 

v. Higginson, 62 Wn. App. 212, 216, 813 P.2d 1275 (1991))); Scott v. Cingular 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

Wireless, 160 Wn.2d 843, 851,161 P.3d 1000 (2007) (citing CR 23 as a source of 

state public policy). 

The underlying inquiry when detennining whether a contract violates public 

policy is whether the contract "has a tendency "'to be against the public good, or to 

be injurious to the public.""' Scott, 160 Wn.2d at 851 (quoting King v. Riveland, 125 

Wn.2d 500, 511, 886 P.2d 160 (1994) (quoting Marshall, 62 Wn. App. at 216)). 

Therefore, whether something can be a source of public policy in the context of 

contract enforceability should depend on whether it is primarily intended to promote 

the public good or protect the public from injury, and whether it was issued by an 

entity with the legal power and authority to set public policy in the relevant context. 

Because "the Supreme Court['s power] to regulate the practice of law is 

inviolate," this court has legal authority to set public policy in the context of attorney 

ethics. Kommavongsa v. Haskell, 149 Wn.2d 288, 311, 67 P.3d 1068 (2003). The 

RPCs are clearly directed at promoting the public good and preventing public injury: 

The legal profession's relative autonomy carries with it special 

responsibilities of self-government. The profession has a responsibility 

to assure that its regulations are conceived in the public interest and not 

in furtherance of parochial or self-interested concerns of the bar .... 

Neglect of these responsibilities compromises the independence of the 

profession and the public interest which it serves. 

MODEL RULES pmbl. para. 12. It would also make little sense to say that a judicial 

decision in a particular case may set public policy, but a carefully drafted set of 

ethical rules promulgated by the only body with the authority to set such rules may 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

not. It is therefore possible, as a general matter, to find principles of public policy 

relevant to the enforceability of contracts in the RPCs. 

b) We do not hold that every RPC violation necessarily renders 

every contract connected to the violation is voidable in all 

circumstances 

Just because the RPCs can be a valid source of public policy does not mean 

that every violation of every RPC that relates a contract renders the contract 

unenforceable. The underlying inquiry in determining whether a contract is 

unenforceable because it violates public policy is whether the contract itself is 

injurious to the public. While all RPC violations are in some way injurious to the 

public, not all RPC violations will render any related contract injurious to the public. 

Some RPCs are generally unsuitable for this context altogether because they 

are unlikely to be relevant, or because they are discretionary or aspirational, 

encouraging certain activities without prohibiting or condemning a particular course 

of action. E.g., former RPC 2.1 (1985) ("In rendering advice, a lawyer may refer not 

only to law but to other considerations such as moral, economic, social and political 

factors, that may be relevant to the client's situation."); former RPC 6.1 (2003) ("A 

lawyer should aspire to render at least thirty (30) hours of pro bono public service 

per year."). As to those RPCs that can be suitable in this context, under some 

circumstances, an RPC violation may have some relation or connection to a contract, 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

but the contract itself does not violate the public policy announced in the rule, and 

so is still enforceable. 

We explicitly recognize that a contract is not automatically unenforceable 

based solely on the fact that it has some connection to some RPC violation. Such a 

holding would shift the guiding inquiry from whether the contract is injurious to the 

public to whether the RPC violation is injurious to the public-the former is relevant 

when determining whether a contract is unenforceable because it violates public 

policy, while the latter is relevant in attorney disciplinary proceedings. It would also 

ignore the clear admonishment that "the purpose of the Rules can be subverted when 

they are invoked by opposing parties as procedural weapons." MODEL RULES Scope 

para. 20. 

c) We reaffirm that a contract entered in violation of former RPC 

1.8(a) is presumptively, but not necessarily, unenforceable 

While certainly not true of all RPCs, former RPC 1.8(a)'s requirements are 

mandatory, clear, and go directly to the formation and terms of business transactions, 

including contracts, between attorneys and their clients. The public policy 

underlying former RPC 1.8(a) is to guard against "overreaching when the lawyer 

participates in a business, property or financial transaction with a client," a 

possibility created by the "lawyer's legal skill and training, together with the 

relationship of trust and confidence between lawyer and client." MODEL RULES R. 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

1. 8 cmt. 1. Former RPC 1. 8( a)'s safeguards address the terms and procedures by 

which such transactions are entered in order to promote its underlying public policy. 

A contract formed in violation of former RPC 1.8(a), by definition, includes 

at least one attorney and one current client as parties to the contract and, by 

definition, meets at least one of the following criteria: 

• Its terms are unfair to the client, former RPC 1.8(a)(l); 

• Its terms are unreasonable as to the client, id.; 

• Its terms were not fully disclosed to the client, id.; 

• Its terms were not transmitted to the client in writing in a way the client 

can reasonably understand them, id.; 

• The client had no reasonable opportunity to seek independent advice on 

the contract, former RPC 1.8(a)(2); or 

• The client never consented to the contract, former RPC 1.8(a)(3). 

There is no way to enter a contract in violation of former RPC 1.8(a) without 

implicating the formation or terms of the contract itself. Therefore, a violation of the 

rule presumptively, though not necessarily, results in a contract violative of the 

public policy underlying former RPC 1.8(a). 

A contract entered in violation of former RPC 1.8(a) may still be enforced 

where it is shown, based on the specific factual circumstances that, notwithstanding 

the violation, the contract itself does not contravene the public policy underlying 

former RPC 1.8(a): 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

To justify a transaction with a client, the attorney has the burden of 

showing: "(1) there was no undue influence; (2) he or she gave the 

client exactly the same information or advice as would have been given 

by a disinterested attorney; and (3) the client would have received no 

greater benefit had he or she dealt with a stranger". 

In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against McMullen, 127 Wn.2d 150, 164, 896 P.2d 

1281 (1995) (quoting In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against McGlothlen, 99 Wn.2d 

515, 525, 663 P.2d 1330 (1983)). 

We do not purport to set out any all-encompassing rule for how violation of 

any RPC in connection with a contract might affect that contract's enforceability. 

We simply reaffirm that a contract entered in violation of former RPC 1.8(a) may 

not be enforced unless it can be shown that notwithstanding the violation, the 

resulting contract does not violate the underlying public policy of the rule. 

d) Hizey is neither controlling nor persuasive authority on this issue 

Unquestionably, the RPCs do not purport to set a standard for civil liability. 

Hizey v. Carpenter, 119 Wn.2d 251, 258, 830 P.2d 646 (1992); RPC scope para. 20. 

In a legal malpractice action, it is thus inappropriate to suggest or argue that an 

attorney's violation of one or more RPCs evidences the attorney's alleged breach of 

the applicable standard of care. Id. at 265-66. We do not depart from or disapprove 

of this long-standing rule in our decision today because it does not apply directly 

and its reasoning is inapposite in this context. 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

By its own terms, Hizey is not controlling as to the issue presented here: "We 

realize courts have relied on the [former Code of Professional Responsibility] and 

RPC for reasons other than to find malpractice liability and our holding today does 

not alter or affect such use." Id. at 264. The RPCs do not set the professional standard 

of care applicable in a legal malpractice action, but the professional standard of care 

applicable in a legal malpractice action also does not set the standard for the public 

policy exception to enforceability applicable in a contract action. 

The reasoning underlying Hizey also does not have much persuasive value in 

this context. While Hizey draws a distinction between statutes that may be used as 

evidence of negligence and ethical rules adopted by this court to regulate the practice 

of law, id. at 261, as discussed above, that distinction is not determinative as to 

whether something might be a source of public policy relevant to the enforceability 

of contracts. 

Hizey also expressed concern that the RPCs "provide only vague guidelines" 

as to the professional standard of care in a legal malpractice action, particularly 

because the RPCs set only minimum standards, rather than the conduct a reasonable 

lawyer would engage in under specific circumstances. Id. at 261-62. Whether a 

contract was entered in violation of former RPC 1.8(a) does not depend on whether 

the attorney acted as a reasonable attorney would in similar circumstances-it 

depends on whether the attorney complied with former RPC 1.8(a)'s mandatory 

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LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

directives. Whether a contract may be enforced notwithstanding the fact that it was 

entered in violation of former RPC 1.8(a) is an entirely separate inquiry, noted 

above, which does not depend on whether the attorney breached the applicable 

standard of care-it depends on whether the contract actually violates the public 

policy underlying former RPC 1.8(a). 

Hizey further holds that use of the RPCs in the legal malpractice context would 

contravene the purposes of the RPCs, which are to "protect both the public and the 

integrity of the profession." Id. at 263. The RPCs serve that second purpose "'by 

forcefully reminding attorneys that their first loyalty is to the court."' !d. (quoting 

Jean E. Faure & R. Keith Strong, The Model Rules of Professional Conduct: No 

Standard for Malpractice, 47 MONT. L. REv. 363, 375 (1986)). Using the RPCs to 

determine the professional standaEd of care applicable in the attorney malpractice 

context, Hizey holds, elevates the attorney-client relationship over the integrity of 

the profession. Id. This is certainly a potential concern where the attorney's duties 

to the client may conflict with his or her duties to the court, and the rules in question 

are designed "to temper an attorney's zeal in representing his clients." Faure & 

Strong, supra, at 3 7 5 (discussing former Montana Rules of Professional Conduct 

1. 6(b) ( 1984) (governing confidentiality of information related to client 

representation), 3.3 (1984) (requiring disclosure of authority adverse to the client's 

position)). Former RPC 1.8(a) is designed to temper the attorney's zeal in entering 

44 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

business transactions with clients, not representing them. Compliance with former 

RPC 1.8(a) serves both the client and the integrity of the legal profession, and 

noncompliance has the potential to damage both the client and the profession. 

Hizey provides an admirable analysis of the issue that was before the court. 

The issue before the court today, however, is not controlled by Hizey, and the 

reasoning in Hizey does not apply here. 

e) We respectfully disagree with the dissent's remaining concerns 

The dissent describes this case as presenting an issue of first impression: 

"Whether the RPCs can justify rescission of a third party contract." Dissent at 4. 

While this case certainly presents the application of several principles of law to a 

particular set of facts, it does not present an issue of first impression. That a contract 

entered in violation of former RPC 1.8(a) may be unenforceable as violative of 

public policy was a settled issue before this case. It is also already a settled issue that 

a contract that violates public policy is unenforceable in the courts. Finally, the fact 

that a contract that is inextricably intertwined with an unenforceable contract is also 

unenforceable was a settled issue before this case. Although we are confronted with 

an unusually convoluted set of facts, we are not breaking new legal ground. 

We do not need to address, analyze, approve of, or disapprove of In re 

Corporate Dissolution of Ocean Shores Park, Inc., 132 Wn. App. 903, 134 P.3d 

1188 (2006), review denied, 159 Wn.2d 1009, 154 P.3d 918 (2007). Ocean Shores 

45 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

is a Court of Appeals opinion not binding on this court, and a party's choice as to 

which authorities to rely on in its briefing does not limit the authorities the court may 

rely on. We do not rely on Ocean Shores. 

To the extent that the dissent asserts that the RPCs are simply too complicated 

for trial courts and juries, we respectfully disagree. 21 The judges in the trial courts of 

this state have a long history of grappling with difficult and complicated questions 

of law with competence, diligence, and integrity, and we are confident they are up 

to the challenge. The issue of whether a violation of former RPC 1. 8( a) should result 

in professional discipline is not relevant to determining whether a contract is 

enforceable in light of the public policy implications of that violation. 

2. The business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal is 

violative of public policy and unenforceable 

The business transaction here was entered in violation of former RPC 1.8(a). 

Even if the only part of the business transaction that violated former RPC 1.8(a) was 

Powers' providing TCG with legal services, there can be no question that all the 

arrangements by which the terms of the joint venture proposal were fulfilled are 

inextricably intertwined, and neither LKO nor Powers has argued that the provision 

for legal services is severable from the rest of the business transaction contemplated 

21Because this case comes to this court following a decision on summary judgment, jury 

issues are not implicated here, but we do note that juries determine the facts and judges determine 

the law. WASH. CONST. art. IV, § 16. Whether an RPC has been violated is a matter oflaw. King, 

170 Wn.2d at 7 41. Whether a contract is enforceable notwithstanding a violation of former RPC 

1.8(a) depends on questions of fact. See McMullen, 127 Wn.2d at 164, 168. 

46 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

by the joint venture proposal. Therefore, the entire business transaction is tainted 

with Mr. Powers' violation of former RPC 1.8(a). Cf Sherwood & Roberts-Yakima, 

Inc. v. Leach, 67 Wn.2d 630, 637, 409 P.2d 160 (1965). 

As discussed above, while a contract formed in violation of former RPC 1. 8( a) 

1s presumptively unenforceable, such a contract may still be enforced where, 

notwithstanding the violation, the contract itself does not violate the public policy 

underlying the rule. LKO argues that because the former RPC 1.8(a) issue was not 

decided at summary judgment and not addressed at trial, LKO was deprived of its 

opportunity to provide evidentiary support for the enforceability of the business 

transaction, notwithstanding Mr. Powers' former RPC 1.8(a) violation. LKO is 

wrong. 

Fair and TCG moved for summary judgment at the trial court, arguing any 

transaction made would be void as violative of public policy because it was entered 

in violation of former RPC 1.8(a), clearly putting LKO on notice that it should 

respond on all issues relevant to the enforceability of the transaction under former 

RPC 1.8(a). LKO and Powers responded that former RPC 1.8(a) does not apply to 

the facts presented. Any arguments intended to justifY the business transaction 

notwithstanding the former RPC 1. 8( a) violation should have been made to the trial 

court. They were not and will not be considered now. 

47 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

3. Rescission was an appropriate remedy 

Where a contract is entered in violation of public policy, "the rule is to leave 

the parties in the positions where the court finds them, even if they acted in good 

faith," Fallahzadeh v. Ghorbanian, 119 Wn. App. 596, 605, 82 P.3d 684 (2004), and 

"regardless of whether the situation is unequal as to the parties," Morelli v. Ehsan, 

110 Wn.2d 555, 562, 756 P.2d 129 (1988). It is thus arguable that LKO got more 

than that to which it was strictly entitled when the trial court ordered a judgment in 

its favor for all the funds it had invested in TCG, with both pre- and postjudgment 

interest. TCG has not sought review of that decision. We also note that while LKO 

is not responsible for Mr. Powers' violation of former RPC 1.8(a), neither is TCG. 

Because the former RPC 1.8(a) violation is sufficient to justify the remedy 

imposed, we need not determine whether rescission would also be appropriate for 

the former RPC 1.7 violation. We do not, however, definitively foreclose that 

potential outcome in the appropriate case. 

IV. CONCLUSION 

Neither LKO's nor Powers' rights to procedural due process were violated. 

The record supports the Court of Appeals' holding that Mr. Powers entered the 

business transaction contemplated by the joint venture proposal in violation of 

former RPC 1.8(a), and rescission is the appropriate remedy for that violation under 

the unusual facts presented. Mr. Powers also violated former RPC 1.7 by engaging 

48 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

in simultaneous representation of multiple clients with adverse interests without 

making the necessary disclosures or receiving the clients' informed consent. We 

need not determine whether the former RPC 1. 7 violation provides an alternate basis 

on which to rescind the business transaction contemplated by the joint venture 

proposal. We affirm the Court of Appeals. 

49 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. The Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

WE CONCUR: 

50 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating LLC v. The Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

(Gordon McCloud, J., concurring) 

No. 88132-4 

GORDON McCLOUD, J. (concurring)-! agree with the majority that Mr. 

Powers violated former Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.8(a) (2000). I also 

agree with the majority that, under prior controlling precedent of this court, that 

violation supports the remedy of rescission under the undisputed facts presented 

here. I therefore join the majority in result. 

But I respectfully disagree with many of the views expressed in Parts III.D.l.a 

and b. See majority at 37-40. I think these sections will produce unnecessary 

uncertainty about the circumstances in which the courts will enforce a contract that 

is connected to an RPC violation. I believe that those sections are unnecessary to 

support the majority's conclusion. I therefore concur. 

1 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating LLC v. The Collection Grp., LLC, No. 88132-4 

(Gordon McCloud, J., Concurrence) 

_I 

2 

.j-'l ..• r, . /he/.;),.,.(! "v JA(' ~ F- ·-·~ 

 	 
	 
   
		

		

LK Operating, LLC v. The Collection Grp., LLC 

No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting)-The majority holds that contract rescission was 

a proper remedy for an attorney's violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct 

(RPC). These rules, however, were never intended to serve as the basis for civil 

law actions or remedies. Because using the RPCs in this manner is contrary to 

both their Scope section and this court's decision in Hizey, 1 I dissent. 

Paragraph 20 to the RPCs' Scope section reads: 

Violation of a Rule should not itself give rise to a cause of action 

against a lawyer nor should it create any presumption in such a case 

that a legal duty has been breached. . . . The Rules are designed to 

provide guidance to lawyers and to provide a structure for regulating 

conduct through disciplinary agencies. They are not designed to be a 

basis for civil liability. Furthermore, the purpose of the Rules can be 

subverted when they are invoked by opposing parties as procedural 

weapons. 

Strong policy justifications support the Scope section's preference for 

separating the law of ethics codes from other civil law decisions. See Stephen E. 

Kalish, How To Encourage Lawyers To Be Ethical: Do Not Use the Ethics Codes 

as a Basis for Regular Law Decisions, 13 GEO. J. LEGAL ETHICS 649 (2000). In 

Hizey, 119 Wn.2d at 263, this court expressed a concern that if ethics violations 

1 Hizey v. Carpenter, 119 Wn.2d 251, 830 P.2d 646 (1992). 

-1-

 	 
	 
   
		

		

No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting) 

may result in civil actions, attorneys will likely overemphasize their clients' 

interests in order to protect themselves from judgments against them. This would 

result in attorneys focusing on the interests of their clients to the detriment of 

others including the general public. Hizey involved a legal malpractice action 

against an attorney who allegedly had an impermissible conflict of interest in a 

real estate transaction. The court held that in legal malpractice actions, expert 

witnesses may neither explicitly refer to the CPR (Code of Professional 

Responsibility) nor the RPCs, nor may their existence be revealed to the jury via 

instructions. !d. at 254. 

Based on the Scope section of the RPCs, most courts considering this issue 

have held that violations of the CPR or RPCs do not give rise to an independent 

cause of action against the attorney. !d. at 258-59. The Hizey court noted that 

[t]he result of such holdings, with which we concur, has been that 

breach of an ethics rule provides only a public, e.g., disciplinary, 

remedy and not a private remedy. Because the CPR and RPC 

explicitly, and in what we deem to be clear and unambiguous 

language, disclaim any intent to create civil liability standards, we 

refuse to hold their violation creates a cause of action for 

malpractice. 

!d. at 259 (citations omitted). 

In addition to the admonition of the Scope section to the RPCs, the Hizey 

court also noted public policy grounds for separating disciplinary actions from 

civil actions. The CPR and RPCs are not statutes or administrative regulations. 

They were adopted by this court, rather than the legislature, pursuant to our power 

-2-

 	 
	 
   
		

		

No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting) 

to regulate the practice of law. ld. at 261. The Supreme Court has the inherent 

power and sole jurisdiction to regulate the practice of law. I d. (citing Graham v. 

State Bar Ass 'n, 86 Wn.2d 624, 631, 548 P.2d 310 (1976)). 

Furthermore, the CPR and RPCs often contain only vague guidelines since 

they were never intended to be the basis for civil liability. ld. There are 

differences between a civil action and disciplinary action, which advise against the 

use of the RPCs in this manner. For example, lawyers can be disciplined even if 

they do not cause damage. ld. at 262 (quoting 1 Ronald E. Mallen & Jeffrey M. 

Smith, Legal Malpractice§ 1.9, at 33 (3d ed. 1989)). Moreover, the use of the 

rules in civil actions throws off the balance they intend to create and instead 

misaligns lawyer incentives. Using the RPCs as the basis for civil liability 

overemphasizes the attorney/client relationship over other important 

responsibilities such as those to the legal system at large. I d. at 263 (quoting 

Jean E. Faure & R. Keith Strong, The Model Rules of Professional Conduct: No 

Standard for Malpractice, 47 MONT. L. REv. 363, 375 (1986)). Finally, plaintiffs 

already have other available theories under which to bring malpractice actions. I d. 

at 263-64 (collecting cases). 

The Hizey court held that experts and judges could rely on the CPR and 

RPCs but could not specifically refer to them. I d. at 265. The court "realize[ d] 

courts have relied on the CPR and RPC for reasons other than to find malpractice 

liability and our holding today does not alter or affect such use." I d. at 264. 

-3-

 	 
	 
   
		

		

No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting) 

Although Hizey did not definitively foreclose future courts from using the RPCs as 

the basis for civil actions, it does indicate this court's desire to keep separate 

disciplinary and civil actions rather than follow the Restatement's approach which 

conflates the two. See Kalish, supra, at 662; RESTATEMENT (THIRD) OF THE LAW 

GOVERNING LA WYERS (Proposed Final Draft No.2 1998). 

One of the principal cases cited by The Collection Group LLC (TCG) to 

justify rescission is In re Corporate Dissolution of Ocean Shores Park, Inc., 132 

Wn. App. 903, 134 P.3d 1188 (2006). The majority in this case, however, 

declines to meaningfully address either Ocean Shores or Hizey. Whether the 

RPCs can justify rescission of a third party contract is an issue of first impression 

for this court. The majority has missed an opportunity to thoughtfully consider 

this issue. 

In Ocean Shores, a couple deeded real property to a corporation. When 

issuing shares, the attorney deeded some shares to himself and his wife. He later 

died, and his clients sued his widow to void the land transfer and dissolve the 

corporation. The Court of Appeals held that the issuance of shares was void as 

against public policy if the attorney violated the RPCs by failing to give adequate 

advice and consideration. The case was remanded for a determination of whether 

the attorney could produce evidence to avoid summary judgment in favor of the 

clients. Id. at 906. 

-4-

 	 
	 
   
		

		

No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting) 

The Court of Appeals held that agreements violating the RPCs are contrary 

to public policy. !d. at 910 (citing Danzig v. Danzig, 79 Wn. App. 612, 617, 904 

P.2d 312 (1995)). "Courts generally do not enforce contracts that are contrary to 

public policy." !d. (citing Danzig, 79 Wn. App. at 616). Ocean Shores appears to 

stand for the proposition that transactions that occur in violation oftheRPCs are 

generally void as against public policy and may be rescinded even to the detriment 

of innocent third parties. Ocean Shores, however, relies heavily on Danzig, which 

indicated reluctance to use rescission as a remedy to an RPC violation when it 

would deprive a third party of the benefit of his bargain. 

In Danzig, a lay "runner" who solicited clients for an attorney filed a breach 

of contract claim against the attorney for failing to pay him. The trial court 

dismissed his contract claim but ordered the attorney to pay $89,000 into the 

court's registry pending investigation ofthe propriety of the fee. The Court of 

Appeals reversed the trial court's dismissal of the contract claim and reversed the 

order to pay money into the court registry. Danzig, 79 Wn. App. at 615. The 

Court held that the contract was not void as against public policy under the 

specific facts of the case. !d. at 618-19. 

As the Danzig court observed, 

"[A] superior court lacks authority to conduct disciplinary 

proceedings. It has, of course, the authority and duty to see to the 

ethical conduct of attorneys in proceedings before it. Upon proper 

grounds, it can disqualify an attorney. It has the power to punish for 

contempt. But as to matters which do not affect those proceedings, 

the disciplinary power rests exclusively in [the Supreme Court]." 

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No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting) 

Danzig, 79 Wn.App. at 620 (first alteration in original) (quoting Hahn v. Boeing 

Co., 95 Wn.2d 28, 34, 621 P.2d 1263 (1980))_2 

The court's decision to reverse the $89,000 payment rested, in part, on the 

fact that the trial court was not attempting to fashion a proper remedy or policing 

the conduct of an attorney in an action before it. Instead, the court was attempting 

to discipline the attorney for his conduct. "The superior court did not have 

authority to do so; that power rests exclusively with the supreme court. Thus, the 

superior court did not have cognizance of this type of case." !d. at 621. 

In my view, Ocean Shores stretched Danzig too far, improperly stepping 

back from this court's decision in Hizey, which intended to keep separate the law 

of ethics codes from civil law actions. 

In this case, the majority affirms rescission as the proper remedy for Leslie 

Powers' former RPC 1.8 (2000) violation. Due in part to LK Operating's (LKO) 

investment funding and arrangement of legal services, TCG's value increased 

from the original cash investment to approximately $1.5 million. "Under the 

principle of freedom to contract, parties are free to enter into, and courts are 

generally willing to enforce, contracts that do not contravene public policy." 

Keystone Land & Dev. Co. v. Xerox Corp., 152 Wn. 2d 171, 176, 94 P.3d 945 

(2004). '"In general, a contract which is not prohibited by statute, condemned by 

2 While Eriks v. Denver, 118 Wn.2d 451,462, 824 P.2d 1207 (1992), allows trial courts 

to disgorge fees from attorneys who have violated the RPCs, Danzig plainly rejects trial 

court actions that are disciplinary in nature. Danzig, 79 Wn. App. at 620-21. 

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No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting) 

judicial decision, or contrary to the public morals contravenes no principle of 

public policy."' State Farm Gen. Ins. Co. v. Emerson, 102 Wn.2d 477, 481, 687 

P.2d 1139 (1984) (quoting 17 C.J.S. Contracts § 211, at 1024 (1963)). Rescission 

improperly prevents LKO from realizing the benefit of its bargain. The lawful 

contract between LKO and TCG should not have been invalidated based on a third 

party attorney's purported violation of the RPCs. There is no basis in the law for 

such a remedy. 

In blurring the lines between this court's disciplinary authority and trial 

courts' civil decision making, the majority undoubtedly creates confusion for both 

judges and practitioners. The majority's complicated analysis of the purported 

RPC violations spans many pages, yet it is unclear whether such decisions will be 

left to judges or juries. It is unreasonable to expect a jury to perform such an 

analysis, especially in light of Hizey' s directive that juries be shielded from the 

particulars of the RPCs. It is equally untenable to expect a trial judge to determine 

if an RPC violation has occurred when such disciplinary discretion is vested solely 

in this court. The unfortunate effect of the majority is to leave more questions 

unanswered than resolved. 

Conclusion 

This court's decision in Hizey as well as the Scope section to the RPCs 

provide strong policy reasons to separate the law of ethics codes from civil 

actions. Although the majority relies on public policy grounds to justify 

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No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting) 

rescission, the public policy in this case favors maintaining the separation between 

attorney discipline and civil actions. Because rescission is an improper remedy for 

Powers' purported RPC violation, I dissent. 

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No. 88132-4 

Madsen, C.J. (dissenting) 

I I 

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