RPC RULE 5.6
               RESTRICTIONS ON RIGHT TO PRACTICE


  A lawyer shall not participate in offering or making:

  (a) a partnership, shareholders, operating, employment, or other similar
type of agreement that restricts the rights of a lawyer to practice after
termination of the relationship, except an agreement concerning benefits
upon retirement; or

  (b) an agreement in which a restriction on the lawyer's right to
practice is part of the settlement of a client controversy.

Comment

  [1] An agreement restricting the right of lawyers to practice after
leaving a firm not only limits their professional autonomy but also limits
the freedom of clients to choose a lawyer. Paragraph (a) prohibits such
agreements except for restrictions incident to provisions concerning
retirement benefits for service with the firm.

  [2] Paragraph (b) prohibits a lawyer from agreeing not to represent
other persons in connection with settling a claim on behalf of a client.

  [3] [Washington revision] This Rule does not prohibit restrictions that
may be included in the terms of the sale of a law practice pursuant to
Rule 1.17, a lawyer's plea agreement in a criminal matter, or a
stipulation under the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct.


[Amended effective September 1, 2006.]