The Association also assists members in interpreting their ethical obligations by issuing opinions about specific issues from time to time. Many are the result of study and analysis in response to requests from individual WSBA members. Formal opinions generally address matters of wide concern and interest and, once adopted by the Board of Governors, are routinely published in the Washington State Bar News . Informal Ethics Opinions are not individually approved by the Board and do not reflect any official position of the Association. Informal opinions are generally concerned with less sweeping topics - though, on occasion, the topic involved may be broad enough in scope to warrant publication as a means of general education and information for the Bar membership.
Informal opinions reflect only the opinion of the Rules of Professional Conduct Committee.
There are continuing developments affecting standards of professional conduct, including amendments to the rules and court decisions in areas such as lawyer advertising. In 1985 the Rules of Professional Conduct were adopted by the Washington Supreme Court, superseding the previous Code of Professional Responsibility. Both in 1985, and on a continuing basis, the RPC Committee reviews all published opinions for continuing validity. During the review process, the Committee evaluates opinions in light of any changes in the rules and standards that have developed through court decisions, opinions of the American Bar Association Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and other relevant considerations. Any opinions which are found to be either no longer valid or of little value to Washington lawyers, are Withdrawn.