Advisory Opinion 2180.

• Case Date: January 01, 2008
• Court: Washington

Washington Ethics Opinion 2008. Advisory Opinion 2180. January 1, 2008Advisory Opinion: 2180Subject: Lawyer wishes to practice in original name after legally changing itOpinion:The inquiring lawyer has practiced for over 20 years, and has gained recognition using her current name, the name under which she earned her license. For personal reasons she wishes to legally change her name but wishes to continue to use her current name in her practice.She asks the following question:"Is it permitted for a licensed attorney who has practiced for more than two decades under a given name, to continue practice in (using) that name despite a subsequent legal name change?"She also asks the committee to define the phrase "avoid misleading the public" AND what is meant by complying with APR 13(d) as used in Advisory Opinion 2077.Response:The inquiring lawyer has practiced for over 20 years, and has gained her reputation under her current name, the name under which she earned her license. For personal reasons she wishes to obtain a legal name change but wishes to continue to use her current name in her practice. She asks whether she may, without violating the RPC, continue to use her current name in her professional capacity as a lawyer after having obtained a legal name change for personal reasons. She...