{ "attribution": { "source": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27", "cite_as": "NovaCopilot, legal.exploreworldai.com (https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27)", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/revision", "version": "legal-2026-10-18", "fingerprint": "ewai:us:efda2f", "proof": "sha256:dc22e0ba768c1c2b9d4ba2a6e897c441c06d6c69fab441153b872aa37ea7f74e", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "publisher": "NovaCopilot by ExploreWorld Legal", "terms": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/om" }, "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "item": { "schema_version": "1.0.0", "id": "us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "brand": { "product": "NovaCopilot", "platform": "ExploreWorldAI", "infrastructure": "ExploreWorld Legal", "infrastructure_url": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "legal_entity": "Valkiv Ventures AB", "permanent_url": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/novacopilot", "source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "powered_by": "Powered by NovaCopilot", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/licensvillkor" }, "sections": [ { "title": "Front matter", "paragraphs": [ "para_1", "para_2", "para_3", "para_4", "para_5", "para_6", "para_7", "para_8", "para_9", "para_10", "para_11", "para_12", "para_13", "para_14", "para_15", "para_16", "para_17", "para_18", "para_19", "para_20", "para_21", "para_22", "para_23", "para_24", "para_25", "para_26", "para_27", "para_28", "para_29", "para_30", "para_31", "para_32", "para_33", "para_34", "para_35", "para_36", "para_37", "para_38", "para_39", "para_40", "para_41", "para_42", "para_43", "para_44", "para_45", "para_46", "para_47", "para_48", "para_49", "para_50", "para_51", "para_52", "para_53", "para_54", "para_55", "para_56", "para_57", "para_58", "para_59", "para_60", "para_61", "para_62", "para_63", "para_64", "para_65", "para_66", "para_67", "para_68", "para_69", "para_70", "para_71", "para_72", "para_73", "para_74", "para_75", "para_76", "para_77", "para_78", "para_79", "para_80", "para_81", "para_82", "para_83", "para_84", "para_85", "para_86", "para_87", "para_88", "para_89", "para_90", "para_91", "para_92", "para_93", "para_94", "para_95", "para_96", "para_97", "para_98", "para_99", "para_100", "para_101", "para_102", "para_103", "para_104", "para_105", "para_106", "para_107", "para_108", "para_109", "para_110", "para_111", "para_112", "para_113", "para_114", "para_115", "para_116", "para_117", "para_118", "para_119", "para_120", "para_121", "para_122", "para_123", "para_124", "para_125", "para_126", "para_127", "para_128", "para_129", "para_130", "para_131", "para_132", "para_133", "para_134", "para_135", "para_136", "para_137", "para_138", "para_139", "para_140", "para_141", "para_142", "para_143", "para_144", "para_145", "para_146", "para_147", "para_148", "para_149", "para_150", "para_151", "para_152", "para_153", "para_154", "para_155", "para_156", "para_157", "para_158", "para_159", "para_160", "para_161", "para_162", "para_163", "para_164", "para_165", "para_166", "para_167", "para_168", "para_169", "para_170", "para_171", "para_172", "para_173", "para_174", "para_175", "para_176", "para_177", "para_178", "para_179", "para_180", "para_181", "para_182", "para_183", "para_184", "para_185", "para_186", "para_187", "para_188", "para_189", "para_190", "para_191", "para_192", "para_193", "para_194", "para_195", "para_196", "para_197", "para_198", "para_199", "para_200", "para_201", "para_202", "para_203", "para_204", "para_205", "para_206", "para_207", "para_208", "para_209", "para_210", "para_211", "para_212", "para_213", "para_214", "para_215", "para_216", "para_217", "para_218", "para_219", "para_220", "para_221", "para_222", "para_223", "para_224", "para_225", "para_226", "para_227", "para_228", "para_229", "para_230", "para_231", "para_232", "para_233", "para_234", "para_235", "para_236", "para_237", "para_238", "para_239", "para_240", "para_241" ], "kind": "front_matter" } ], "paragraphs": [ { "text": "NOTICE: SLIP OPINION", "paragraph_id": "para_1" }, { "text": "(not the court’s final written decision)", "paragraph_id": "para_2" }, { "text": "The opinion that begins on the next page is a slip opinion. Slip opinions are the", "paragraph_id": "para_3" }, { "text": "written opinions that are originally filed by the court.", "paragraph_id": "para_4" }, { "text": "A slip opinion is not necessarily the court’s final written decision. Slip opinions", "paragraph_id": "para_5" }, { "text": "can be changed by subsequent court orders. For example, a court may issue an", "paragraph_id": "para_6" }, { "text": "order making substantive changes to a slip opinion or publishing for precedential", "paragraph_id": "para_7" }, { "text": "purposes a previously “unpublished” opinion. Additionally, nonsubstantive edits", "paragraph_id": "para_8" }, { "text": "(for style, grammar, citation, format, punctuation, etc.) are made before the", "paragraph_id": "para_9" }, { "text": "opinions that have precedential value are published in the official reports of court", "paragraph_id": "para_10" }, { "text": "decisions: the Washington Reports 2d and the Washington Appellate Reports. An", "paragraph_id": "para_11" }, { "text": "opinion in the official reports replaces the slip opinion as the official opinion of", "paragraph_id": "para_12" }, { "text": "the court.", "paragraph_id": "para_13" }, { "text": "The slip opinion that begins on the next page is for a published opinion, and it", "paragraph_id": "para_14" }, { "text": "has since been revised for publication in the printed official reports. The official", "paragraph_id": "para_15" }, { "text": "text of the court’s opinion is found in the advance sheets and the bound volumes", "paragraph_id": "para_16" }, { "text": "of the official reports. Also, an electronic version (intended to mirror the", "paragraph_id": "para_17" }, { "text": "language found in the official reports) of the revised opinion can be found, free of", "paragraph_id": "para_18" }, { "text": "charge, at this website: https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports.", "paragraph_id": "para_19" }, { "text": "For more information about precedential (published) opinions, nonprecedential", "paragraph_id": "para_20" }, { "text": "(unpublished) opinions, slip opinions, and the official reports, see", "paragraph_id": "para_21" }, { "text": "https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions and the information that is linked there.", "paragraph_id": "para_22" }, { "text": "IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON", "paragraph_id": "para_23" }, { "text": "DIVISION ONE", "paragraph_id": "para_24" }, { "text": "ALFONSO TAVAGLIONE,", "paragraph_id": "para_25" }, { "text": "Appellant,", "paragraph_id": "para_26" }, { "text": "v.", "paragraph_id": "para_27" }, { "text": "DEHKHODA & QADRI, P.C., dba", "paragraph_id": "para_28" }, { "text": "WONG FLEMING, P.C., and WONG", "paragraph_id": "para_29" }, { "text": "FLEMING, P.C.,", "paragraph_id": "para_30" }, { "text": "Respondents.", "paragraph_id": "para_31" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I", "paragraph_id": "para_32" }, { "text": "PUBLISHED OPINION", "paragraph_id": "para_33" }, { "text": "BOWMAN, A.C.J. — Wong Fleming PC (WF) is a law firm and registered", "paragraph_id": "para_34" }, { "text": "debt collection agency. In its capacity as a collection agency, WF sued Alfonso", "paragraph_id": "para_35" }, { "text": "Tavaglione to collect debt that Tavaglione did not owe. WF secured a default", "paragraph_id": "para_36" }, { "text": "judgment for the debt and an award of attorney fees. Tavaglione later", "paragraph_id": "para_37" }, { "text": "successfully vacated the default judgment and the court dismissed WF’s lawsuit", "paragraph_id": "para_38" }, { "text": "on summary judgment. Tavaglione then sued WF, alleging per se violations of", "paragraph_id": "para_39" }, { "text": "the Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA), chapter 19.86 RCW, based on", "paragraph_id": "para_40" }, { "text": "violations of the Washington Collection Agency Act (WCAA), chapter 19.16 RCW.", "paragraph_id": "para_41" }, { "text": "WF moved to dismiss the lawsuit under CR 12(b)(6), arguing that WF was", "paragraph_id": "para_42" }, { "text": "immune from liability under the litigation privilege and that Tavaglione failed to", "paragraph_id": "para_43" }, { "text": "show WF engaged in unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce. The trial", "paragraph_id": "para_44" }, { "text": "court granted the motion to dismiss. Because WF’s acts as a collection agency", "paragraph_id": "para_45" }, { "text": "are outside the scope of the litigation privilege and Tavaglione sufficiently allegedFor the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_46" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I/2", "paragraph_id": "para_47" }, { "text": "2", "paragraph_id": "para_48" }, { "text": "a per se violation of the CPA under the WCAA, we reverse and remand for further", "paragraph_id": "para_49", "court_paragraph": 2 }, { "text": "proceedings.", "paragraph_id": "para_50" }, { "text": "FACTS", "paragraph_id": "para_51" }, { "text": "Dehkhoda and Qadri PC1 is a Washington professional services", "paragraph_id": "para_52" }, { "text": "corporation doing business as a law firm under the name WF. According to", "paragraph_id": "para_53" }, { "text": "Tavaglione,2 WF is also a registered Washington collection agency whose primary", "paragraph_id": "para_54" }, { "text": "purpose is to collect consumer debt.", "paragraph_id": "para_55" }, { "text": "In January 2021, WF tried to collect debt from Tavaglione that he did not", "paragraph_id": "para_56" }, { "text": "owe. Specifically, WF alleged that Tavaglione was personally liable for", "paragraph_id": "para_57" }, { "text": "$92,248.12 of outstanding debt for a failed business, Seafood Express LLC. WF", "paragraph_id": "para_58" }, { "text": "sued Tavaglione for breach of contract and breach of a personal guarantee and", "paragraph_id": "para_59" }, { "text": "served Tavaglione with a copy of the complaint and promissory note. But the note", "paragraph_id": "para_60" }, { "text": "was unrelated to either Tavaglione or Seafood Express. So, Tavaglione", "paragraph_id": "para_61" }, { "text": "contacted WF and explained he was not responsible for the debt.", "paragraph_id": "para_62" }, { "text": "WF then e-mailed Tavaglione new documents that it claimed “were the", "paragraph_id": "para_63" }, { "text": "correct documents evidencing Mr. Tavaglione’s liability for the alleged debt.” That", "paragraph_id": "para_64" }, { "text": "promissory note listed Seafood Express as the “Borrower” and Tavaglione as the", "paragraph_id": "para_65" }, { "text": "“Guarantor.” But the document bore no signatures. Tavaglione again contacted", "paragraph_id": "para_66" }, { "text": "WF and explained he “was not responsible for the alleged debt.” Still, WF", "paragraph_id": "para_67" }, { "text": "continued to demand payment.", "paragraph_id": "para_68" }, { "text": "1 Now known as Caley Dehkhoda and Qadri PC.", "paragraph_id": "para_69" }, { "text": "2 Because Tavaglione appeals from a CR 12(b)(6) dismissal, we present the facts", "paragraph_id": "para_70" }, { "text": "as alleged in his complaint and attachments.For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_71" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I/3", "paragraph_id": "para_72" }, { "text": "3", "paragraph_id": "para_73" }, { "text": "About nine months later in September 2021, Tavaglione received a letter", "paragraph_id": "para_74", "court_paragraph": 3 }, { "text": "from WF directing him to appear in court for a “Supplemental Proceeding", "paragraph_id": "para_75" }, { "text": "Examination” on October 22, 2021. Tavaglione was “astonished” by the letter", "paragraph_id": "para_76" }, { "text": "because he “had heard nothing” from WF about the lawsuit for months.", "paragraph_id": "para_77" }, { "text": "Tavaglione then learned that WF “had obtained a default judgment behind his", "paragraph_id": "para_78" }, { "text": "back, even though he had appeared in the lawsuit.” The court issued the", "paragraph_id": "para_79" }, { "text": "judgment for Atlas Debt Holdings LLC and listed the debtors as Seafood Express", "paragraph_id": "para_80" }, { "text": "and Tavaglione. It awarded Atlas a principal amount of $92,248.12 plus attorney", "paragraph_id": "para_81" }, { "text": "fees and costs.", "paragraph_id": "para_82" }, { "text": "Tavaglione hired a lawyer and vacated the default judgment. He then", "paragraph_id": "para_83" }, { "text": "moved for summary judgment, arguing that “he never agreed to be liable for the", "paragraph_id": "para_84" }, { "text": "debts of the business.” The court granted summary judgment for Tavaglione and", "paragraph_id": "para_85" }, { "text": "dismissed the case with prejudice.", "paragraph_id": "para_86" }, { "text": "On January 17, 2024, Tavaglione sued WF, alleging per se violations of the", "paragraph_id": "para_87" }, { "text": "CPA based on violations of the WCAA. He alleged WF is a debt collection", "paragraph_id": "para_88" }, { "text": "company that violated the WCAA by attempting to collect money he did not owe", "paragraph_id": "para_89" }, { "text": "and by obtaining a judgment for principal, costs, and fees based on that debt. WF", "paragraph_id": "para_90" }, { "text": "then moved to dismiss the lawsuit under CR 12(b)(6), arguing it was immune from", "paragraph_id": "para_91" }, { "text": "liability under the litigation privilege because the allegations in Tavaglione’s", "paragraph_id": "para_92" }, { "text": "complaint stem from its acts as lawyers during a judicial proceeding. And it", "paragraph_id": "para_93" }, { "text": "argued that even if it were not shielded by the litigation privilege, Tavaglione failed", "paragraph_id": "para_94" }, { "text": "to show it engaged in unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce under the", "paragraph_id": "para_95" }, { "text": "CPA.For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_96" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I/4", "paragraph_id": "para_97" }, { "text": "4", "paragraph_id": "para_98" }, { "text": "The trial court granted WF’s CR 12(b)(6) motion and dismissed", "paragraph_id": "para_99", "court_paragraph": 4 }, { "text": "Tavaglione’s lawsuit with prejudice. It determined that “the litigation privilege", "paragraph_id": "para_100" }, { "text": "serves to bar all claims in Plaintiff’s Complaint” and that the CPA claims fail as a", "paragraph_id": "para_101" }, { "text": "matter of law because Tavaglione did not allege facts to support “an unfair or", "paragraph_id": "para_102" }, { "text": "deceptive act or practice ‘occurring in trade or commerce.’ ”", "paragraph_id": "para_103" }, { "text": "Tavaglione appeals.", "paragraph_id": "para_104" }, { "text": "ANALYSIS", "paragraph_id": "para_105" }, { "text": "Tavaglione argues the trial court erred by dismissing his lawsuit under CR", "paragraph_id": "para_106" }, { "text": "12(b)(6). He asserts the litigation privilege does not shield WF for its acts as a", "paragraph_id": "para_107" }, { "text": "debt collector. And he contends that he sufficiently alleged WF engaged in unfair", "paragraph_id": "para_108" }, { "text": "or deceptive acts in trade or commerce by pleading a violation of the WCAA.", "paragraph_id": "para_109" }, { "text": "We review a trial court’s decision to dismiss a case under CR 12(b)(6) de", "paragraph_id": "para_110" }, { "text": "novo. San Juan County v. No New Gas Tax, 160 Wn.2d 141, 164, 157 P.3d 831", "paragraph_id": "para_111" }, { "text": "(2007). We will dismiss a complaint under CR 12(b)(6) if it fails to state a claim on", "paragraph_id": "para_112" }, { "text": "which the court can grant relief, but we do so “ ‘sparingly and with care.’ ” Tenore", "paragraph_id": "para_113" }, { "text": "v. AT & T Wireless Servs., 136 Wn.2d 322, 330, 962 P.2d 104 (1998) (quoting", "paragraph_id": "para_114" }, { "text": "Hoffer v. State, 110 Wn.2d 415, 421, 755 P.2d 781 (1988)). Dismissal is", "paragraph_id": "para_115" }, { "text": "appropriate only if no set of facts consistent with the complaint would entitle the", "paragraph_id": "para_116" }, { "text": "plaintiff to relief. Jackson v. Quality Loan Serv. Corp. of Wash., 186 Wn. App.", "paragraph_id": "para_117" }, { "text": "838, 843, 347 P.3d 487 (2015). We presume the facts in the complaint are true", "paragraph_id": "para_118" }, { "text": "and reject the motion to dismiss if “ ‘[a]ny hypothetical situation conceivably raisedFor the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_119" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I/5", "paragraph_id": "para_120" }, { "text": "5", "paragraph_id": "para_121" }, { "text": "by the complaint . . . is legally sufficient to support the plaintiff’s claim.’ ” Id.3", "paragraph_id": "para_122", "court_paragraph": 5 }, { "text": "(quoting Bravo v. Dolsen Cos., 125 Wn.2d 745, 750, 888 P.2d 147 (1995)).", "paragraph_id": "para_123" }, { "text": "1. Litigation Privilege and the WCAA", "paragraph_id": "para_124" }, { "text": "Tavaglione argues the trial court erred by ruling the litigation privilege", "paragraph_id": "para_125" }, { "text": "shielded WF from liability under the WCAA. According to Tavaglione, the litigation", "paragraph_id": "para_126" }, { "text": "privilege does not apply here because he seeks to hold WF responsible for its", "paragraph_id": "para_127" }, { "text": "unlawful actions as a debt collection agency, not for its actions as lawyers", "paragraph_id": "para_128" }, { "text": "litigating a lawsuit. We agree.", "paragraph_id": "para_129" }, { "text": "Litigation privilege is a judicially created absolute privilege that protects", "paragraph_id": "para_130" }, { "text": "participants in a judicial proceeding against civil liability for statements made", "paragraph_id": "para_131" }, { "text": "during litigation. Young v. Rayan, 27 Wn. App. 2d 500, 508, 533 P.3d 123, review", "paragraph_id": "para_132" }, { "text": "denied, 2 Wn.3d 1008, 539 P.3d 4 (2023). The litigation privilege has a broad", "paragraph_id": "para_133" }, { "text": "application. Id. at 510-11. A party asserting the privilege must show only that the", "paragraph_id": "para_134" }, { "text": "statements or acts were (1) made during a judicial proceeding and (2) pertinent to", "paragraph_id": "para_135" }, { "text": "the litigation. Id. at 509. The potential harms of a broad application of the", "paragraph_id": "para_136" }, { "text": "privilege—preventing redress for harm that would otherwise sustain a civil suit—", "paragraph_id": "para_137" }, { "text": "“are blunted by forms of accountability” inherent in judicial proceedings. Id. at", "paragraph_id": "para_138" }, { "text": "510. This is so because the privilege assumes that the court may address false", "paragraph_id": "para_139" }, { "text": "or harmful statements or acts in a judicial proceeding through tools such as", "paragraph_id": "para_140" }, { "text": "sanctions, contempt, witness cross-examination, or the threat of prosecution for", "paragraph_id": "para_141" }, { "text": "perjury. Id. (quoting Bruce v. Byrne-Stevens & Assocs. Eng’rs., Inc., 113 Wn.2d", "paragraph_id": "para_142" }, { "text": "123, 126, 776 P.2d 666 (1996)). Still, improper conduct should not be entirely", "paragraph_id": "para_143" }, { "text": "3 Internal quotation marks omitted.For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_144" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I/6", "paragraph_id": "para_145" }, { "text": "6", "paragraph_id": "para_146" }, { "text": "impossible to address. So, we do not usually extend the litigation privilege to", "paragraph_id": "para_147", "court_paragraph": 6 }, { "text": "settings where judicial authority lacks the power to discipline behavior that", "paragraph_id": "para_148" }, { "text": "exceeds the bounds of permissible conduct. Id. (quoting Twelker v. Shannon &", "paragraph_id": "para_149" }, { "text": "Wilson, Inc., 88 Wn.2d 473, 476, 564 P.2d 1131 (1977)).", "paragraph_id": "para_150" }, { "text": "We have applied the litigation privilege to the acts of attorneys during a", "paragraph_id": "para_151" }, { "text": "judicial proceeding. See Jeckle v. Crotty, 120 Wn. App. 374, 386, 85 P.3d 931", "paragraph_id": "para_152" }, { "text": "(2004) (litigation privilege shielded lawyer from claims of interference with", "paragraph_id": "para_153" }, { "text": "business relationship with patients, outrage, infliction of emotional distress, and", "paragraph_id": "para_154" }, { "text": "civil conspiracy arising out of actions taken during a judicial proceeding). As", "paragraph_id": "para_155" }, { "text": "applied to lawyers, the privilege furthers a “public policy of securing to attorneys", "paragraph_id": "para_156" }, { "text": "as officers of the court the utmost freedom in their efforts to secure justice for their", "paragraph_id": "para_157" }, { "text": "clients.” McNeal v. Allen, 95 Wn.2d 265, 267, 621 P.2d 1285 (1980).", "paragraph_id": "para_158" }, { "text": "The legislature enacted the WCAA to prohibit unfair or deceptive debt", "paragraph_id": "para_159" }, { "text": "collection practices. Gray v. Suttell & Assocs., 181 Wn.2d 329, 342, 334 P.3d 14", "paragraph_id": "para_160" }, { "text": "(2014). Under the WCAA, collection agencies may not “[c]ollect or attempt to", "paragraph_id": "para_161" }, { "text": "collect in addition to the principal amount of a claim any sum other than allowable", "paragraph_id": "para_162" }, { "text": "interest, collection costs or handling fees expressly authorized by statute, and, in", "paragraph_id": "para_163" }, { "text": "the case of suit, attorney’s fees and taxable court costs.” RCW 19.16.250(21).", "paragraph_id": "para_164" }, { "text": "Collection agencies also may not", "paragraph_id": "para_165" }, { "text": "[c]ommunicate with the debtor and represent or imply that the", "paragraph_id": "para_166" }, { "text": "existing obligation of the debtor may be or has been increased by", "paragraph_id": "para_167" }, { "text": "the addition of attorney fees, investigation fees, service fees, or any", "paragraph_id": "para_168" }, { "text": "other fees or charges when in fact such fees or charges may not", "paragraph_id": "para_169" }, { "text": "legally be added to the existing obligation of such debtor.", "paragraph_id": "para_170" }, { "text": "RCW 19.16.250(15).For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_171" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I/7", "paragraph_id": "para_172" }, { "text": "7", "paragraph_id": "para_173" }, { "text": "While the WCAA applies to the acts of “collection agencies,” it does not", "paragraph_id": "para_174", "court_paragraph": 7 }, { "text": "categorically exclude lawyers and law firms from its requirements if they are", "paragraph_id": "para_175" }, { "text": "functioning as collection agencies. Scott v. Am. Express Nat’l Bank, 22 Wn. App.", "paragraph_id": "para_176" }, { "text": "2d 258, 269, 514 P.3d 695 (2022). The court determines whether a law firm is", "paragraph_id": "para_177" }, { "text": "acting as a “collection agency” by looking to the firm’s primary purpose. Id. If a", "paragraph_id": "para_178" }, { "text": "law firm’s primary purpose is the collection of consumer debts, “it may qualify as a", "paragraph_id": "para_179" }, { "text": "collection agency under the WCAA.” Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_180" }, { "text": "Here, Tavaglione sued WF in its capacity as a debt collection agency,", "paragraph_id": "para_181" }, { "text": "alleging that WF violated the WCAA by improperly securing a judgment against", "paragraph_id": "para_182" }, { "text": "him and an award of attorney fees for debt he did not owe. So, even though WF", "paragraph_id": "para_183" }, { "text": "obtained the judgment and attorney fee award in a judicial proceeding, which", "paragraph_id": "para_184" }, { "text": "implicates the litigation privilege for WF’s attorneys, accountability for WF’s", "paragraph_id": "para_185" }, { "text": "misconduct as debt collectors was not inherent in the proceedings. For example,", "paragraph_id": "para_186" }, { "text": "the trial judge could not hold WF accountable for its actions as a debt collector in", "paragraph_id": "para_187" }, { "text": "the same way it could an attorney during litigation by issuing sanctions, holding", "paragraph_id": "para_188" }, { "text": "the attorney in contempt, or threatening prosecution for perjury. See Young, 27", "paragraph_id": "para_189" }, { "text": "Wn. App. 2d at 510.", "paragraph_id": "para_190" }, { "text": "Redress for the harms alleged by Tavaglione is found in the WCAA, and", "paragraph_id": "para_191" }, { "text": "applying the litigation privilege here renders WF’s improper debt collection", "paragraph_id": "para_192" }, { "text": "conduct entirely impossible to address. As a result, WF’s acts are outside the", "paragraph_id": "para_193" }, { "text": "scope of the litigation privilege.4", "paragraph_id": "para_194" }, { "text": "4 Division Two of our court reached the same conclusion in Scott, 22 Wn. App. 2d", "paragraph_id": "para_195" }, { "text": "at 269-270. But in doing so, it applied a public policy exception to the litigation privilege.", "paragraph_id": "para_196" }, { "text": "See id. at 265-66. And we do not recognize a public policy exception to the privilege.", "paragraph_id": "para_197" }, { "text": "Young, 27 Wn. App. 2d at 511. Still, we agree with Scott in result.For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_198" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I/8", "paragraph_id": "para_199" }, { "text": "8", "paragraph_id": "para_200" }, { "text": "Still, WF argues that allowing defendants to sue their adversary’s attorneys", "paragraph_id": "para_201", "court_paragraph": 8 }, { "text": "is “bad public policy that would chill an attorney’s advocacy for their clients.” But", "paragraph_id": "para_202" }, { "text": "Tavaglione is not suing WF in their capacity as attorneys; he is suing them for", "paragraph_id": "para_203" }, { "text": "misconduct as debt collectors. And while WF disputes Tavaglione’s allegation", "paragraph_id": "para_204" }, { "text": "that its primary purpose is the collection of consumer debt, we presume that the", "paragraph_id": "para_205" }, { "text": "allegation is true for a CR 12(b)(6) motion. Jackson, 186 Wn. App. at 843.", "paragraph_id": "para_206" }, { "text": "2. Per Se CPA Claim", "paragraph_id": "para_207" }, { "text": "Tavaglione argues that the trial court erred by dismissing his lawsuit for", "paragraph_id": "para_208" }, { "text": "failure to plead that WF engaged in unfair or deceptive actions in trade or", "paragraph_id": "para_209" }, { "text": "commerce. We agree.", "paragraph_id": "para_210" }, { "text": "Under the CPA, “[u]nfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive", "paragraph_id": "para_211" }, { "text": "acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce are . . . unlawful.” RCW", "paragraph_id": "para_212" }, { "text": "19.86.020. To establish a CPA claim, a plaintiff must show (1) an unfair or", "paragraph_id": "para_213" }, { "text": "deceptive practice (2) occurring in trade or commerce (3) that affects the public", "paragraph_id": "para_214" }, { "text": "interest, (4) an injury to plaintiff’s business or property, and (5) that the unfair or", "paragraph_id": "para_215" }, { "text": "deceptive practice caused the injury. Hangman Ridge Training Stables, Inc. v.", "paragraph_id": "para_216" }, { "text": "Safeco Title Ins. Co., 105 Wn.2d 778, 784-85, 719 P.2d 531 (1986).", "paragraph_id": "para_217" }, { "text": "But violations of certain statutes are also per se violations of the CPA.", "paragraph_id": "para_218" }, { "text": "Hangman Ridge, 105 Wn.2d at 787. And the WCAA is one such statute. Panag", "paragraph_id": "para_219" }, { "text": "v. Farmers Ins. Co. of Wash., 166 Wn.2d 27, 43, 204 P.3d 885 (2009). Under the", "paragraph_id": "para_220" }, { "text": "WCAA, collection agencies’ violations of RCW 19.16.250 or .260 “are declared to", "paragraph_id": "para_221" }, { "text": "be unfair acts or practices or unfair methods of competition in the conduct of trade", "paragraph_id": "para_222" }, { "text": "or commerce for the purpose of the application of the [CPA] found in chapterFor the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_223" }, { "text": "No. 86451-3-I/9", "paragraph_id": "para_224" }, { "text": "9", "paragraph_id": "para_225" }, { "text": "19.86 RCW.” RCW 19.16.440. So, if a plaintiff shows a violation of the WCAA,", "paragraph_id": "para_226", "court_paragraph": 9 }, { "text": "they necessarily show the defendant engaged in unfair acts in trade or commerce", "paragraph_id": "para_227" }, { "text": "under the CPA.", "paragraph_id": "para_228" }, { "text": "Here, Tavaglione alleged that WF violated the WCAA under RCW", "paragraph_id": "para_229" }, { "text": "19.16.250(21) and (15) by repeatedly attempting to collect money from him that", "paragraph_id": "para_230" }, { "text": "he did not owe and by acquiring a default judgment and award of fees and costs", "paragraph_id": "para_231" }, { "text": "against him based on that debt. WF does not dispute that if true, those facts", "paragraph_id": "para_232" }, { "text": "would violate the WCAA. As a result, Tavaglione sufficiently alleged a per se", "paragraph_id": "para_233" }, { "text": "violation of the CPA under the WCAA, which necessarily includes that WF", "paragraph_id": "para_234" }, { "text": "engaged in unfair acts “in the conduct of trade or commerce for the purpose of the", "paragraph_id": "para_235" }, { "text": "application of” the CPA. RCW 19.16.440.", "paragraph_id": "para_236" }, { "text": "Because WF’s acts as a collection agency are outside the scope of the", "paragraph_id": "para_237" }, { "text": "litigation privilege and Tavaglione sufficiently alleged a per se violation of the CPA", "paragraph_id": "para_238" }, { "text": "under the WCAA, we reverse the trial court’s CR 12(b)(6) order dismissing", "paragraph_id": "para_239" }, { "text": "Tavaglione’s lawsuit and remand for further proceedings.", "paragraph_id": "para_240" }, { "text": "WE CONCUR:For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.", "paragraph_id": "para_241" } ], "word_count": 2600, "cites": [], "cited_by": [], "sha256": "6a30fc958204d40f43bb8bd3be1fb767e8eebd186a622f8d43390e990491da07", "source_url": "https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/864513.pdf", "fetched_at": "2026-10-11T02:28:54.164+00:00", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/ai/judgments/us/washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27", "risk_graph": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27", "relations_graph": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27", "changes": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/changes", "agent": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27", "verification": { "stored_sha256": "6a30fc958204d40f43bb8bd3be1fb767e8eebd186a622f8d43390e990491da07", "recomputed_sha256": "6a30fc958204d40f43bb8bd3be1fb767e8eebd186a622f8d43390e990491da07", "intact": true, "checked_at": "2026-10-18T02:30:13.180Z" } }, "hash": "sha256:dc22e0ba768c1c2b9d4ba2a6e897c441c06d6c69fab441153b872aa37ea7f74e", "version": "legal-2026-10-18", "expires": "2026-10-19T00:00:00.000Z", "dependency": { "index_version": "legal-2026-10-18+legal-2026-10-18+2026-10-18T01:46:51", "content_hash": "sha256:dc22e0ba768c1c2b9d4ba2a6e897c441c06d6c69fab441153b872aa37ea7f74e", "revalidate_after": "2026-10-18T03:30:13.363Z", "max_copy_age_seconds": 3600, "policy": "revalidate-required; attribution-preferred", "changelog": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/dependency", "verify": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/verify", "stale_copy_invalid": true }, "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27", "follow": [ { "rel": "risk", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27" }, { "rel": "relations", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27" }, { "rel": "agent", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:washctapp-86451-3-2025-05-27" }, { "rel": "obligations", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/obligation-chain" }, { "rel": "changes", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/whats-new?jurisdiction=us" } ], "disclaimer": "Source reference with official identifier. 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