Legal Ads Must Be Honest and Comply With the Rules
I noted billboards and other advertisements of a firm that is primarily based in Florida advertising in Pennsylvania. The firm features a picture of apparently the senior partner who states words to the effect, "I am your lawyer." They are advertising for personal injury cases. The ads give the impression that that lawyer will handle the cases. I am only aware of one office and one newly admitted lawyer in Pennsylvania for the firm. Is that ethical?
September 14, 2017 at 04:29 PM
11 minute read
Legal ads must be honest and comply with the rules.
I noted billboards and other advertisements of a firm that is primarily based in Florida advertising in Pennsylvania. The firm features a picture of apparently the senior partner who states words to the effect, “I am your lawyer.” They are advertising for personal injury cases. The ads give the impression that that lawyer will handle the cases. I am only aware of one office and one newly admitted lawyer in Pennsylvania for the firm. Is that ethical?
If the question is described accurately, the advertisement would be grossly misleading and unethical. If a lawyer is advertising that he is the person who's going to be representing the clients and he's not even licensed in Pennsylvania, that would be a gross misrepresentation.
Pennsylvania Rules of Advertising hinge on the need for truthfulness in the advertising. Rule 7.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct note a lawyer cannot make a false or misleading statement. That rule also notes there cannot be unjustifiable expectations.
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