LK Operating, LLC v. Collection Grp., LLC ( 2014 )

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
LK OPERATING, LLC, a Washington )
limited liability company, )
)
Petitioner, )
) NO. 88132-4
v. )
)
THE COLLECTION GROUP, LLC, a )
Washington limited liability company; and )
BRIAN FAIR and SHIRLEY FAIR, ) ENBANC
husband and wife, and their marital )
community composed thereof, )
)
Respondents, )
) Filed JUL 3 1 2014
LESLIE ALAN POWERS and PATRICIA )
POWERS, husband and wife, and KEITH )
THERRIEN and MARSHA THERRIEN, )
husband and wife, )
)
Petitioners/Intervenors. )
___________________________)
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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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.
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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
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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 boold1982-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.
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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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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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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. ofAm., 174 Wn.2d 524, 528,276 P.3d 1270 (2012).
12
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Constitution and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States
Constitution. 7 Constitutional challenges present questions of law reviewed de novo.
City ofRedmond 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).
13
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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
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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 74, 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
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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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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).
17
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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 ofSoc. & 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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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
10
LKO 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).
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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.
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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.
12
Former 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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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.
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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
24LK 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 ofProfessional 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
14
We 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
15
C,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
16
There 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).
31
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 written 17 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
17
We 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).
18
Final 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).
32
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
19
For 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.
33
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
36
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
37
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
38
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,
39
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.
40
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):
41
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.
42
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
43
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 37 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
21
Because 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 741. 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)
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2
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]."
-5-
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.
-6-
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
-7-
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.
-8-
No. 88132-4
Madsen, C.J. (dissenting)
I I
-9-