Disqualification of collaborative lawyer and lawyers in associated law firm.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, a collaborative lawyer is disqualified from appearing before a tribunal to represent a party in a proceeding related to the collaborative matter.(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section and RCW 7.77.090, a lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated is disqualified from appearing before a tribunal to represent a party in a proceeding related to the collaborative matter if the collaborative lawyer is disqualified from doing so under subsection (1) of this section.(3) A collaborative lawyer or a lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated may represent a party:(a) To ask a tribunal to approve an agreement resulting from the collaborative law process; or(b) To seek or defend an emergency order to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of a party, or family or household member or intimate partner, as defined in RCW 7.105.010, if a successor lawyer is not immediately available to represent that person.(4) If subsection (3)(b) of this section applies, a collaborative lawyer, or lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated, may represent a party or family or household member or intimate partner only until the person is represented by a successor lawyer or reasonable measures are taken to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of the person.[ 2021 c 215 s 92; 2020 c 29 s 2; 2013 c 119 s 9.]Notes:Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.Effective date—2020 c 29: See note following RCW 7.77.060.