Advertising Laws as stated by the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct (provided by the Legal Information Institute)

» Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services

» Rule 7.2 Advertising

» Rule 7.3 Direct Contact With Prospective Clients

» Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice

» Rule 7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads

» Rule 7.6 Advertising a Certification

» Rule 7.7 Lawyer Referral Service

The Philadelphia Bar Association has published a number of ethics opinions available on their website. Some advertising concerns are include:

» 2003-6 (letterhead–use of prior experience as a District Attorney) - targeted direct mail solicitation

» 2002-8 (use of attorney designation on real estate sales card)

» 2001-11 (marketing of attorney’s services through bank–fee splitting and reimbursement of advertising expense)

» 2001-5 (letterhead–one attorney in multiple firms)

» 98-11 (advertising using posters picturing union members who have been clients of firm in the past)

» 98-3 (targeted direct mail solicitation)

» 96-15 (advertisement)

• FTC Backs Legal Referral Services
• Lawyer’s Name Isn’t Entitled To Trademark Protection
• Academy of Trial Lawyers Backs Tougher NY Ad Restrictions
• More Lawyer Advertising Regulations
• Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers Fight Back

Categories: Ethics, Advertising, Regulations