Legal Ethics Opinions

Disclaimer

The Lawyer Disciplinary Board issues advisory opinions regarding the ethical propriety of attorney conduct. An archive of these Legal Ethics Opinions can be found by Chronological Order or by Subject Matter.

Legal Ethics Opinions are advisory only and are not binding upon the Supreme Court of Appeals. Opinions issued pursuant to Rule 2.16 of the Rules of Lawyer Disciplinary Procedure, however, are binding upon the Hearing Panel of the Lawyer Disciplinary Board in any subsequent disciplinary proceeding involving the requesting lawyer.

Please note: Legal Ethics Opinions cite the applicable West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct and statutes/case law in effect at the time of the writing of the opinion that may be obsolete now. Please refer to the current West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. A correlation chart contained here may be helpful in cross-referencing provisions of the former Code of Professional Responsibility with the current Rules of Professional Conduct.

Disciplinary Counsel may also assist attorneys with questions relating to their ethical responsibilities. Inquiries may be made from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays by calling (304) 558 7999.