Informal Opinion Number: 20010107

QUESTION: Attorney recently launched a website for Attorney’s firm. A client viewed the website and offered to serve as a reference and speak to clients about the services that Attorney offers. Would this breach any ethical guidelines if Attorney were to post this information on Attorney’s website? Any statements would come directly from the client with complete consent.
ANSWER: It is generally permissible for Attorney to use a client testimonial in advertising, such as a website. The testimonial cannot include statements or information that would violate any of the rules regarding advertising, Rules 4-7.1-4-7.5.

Informal Opinions are ethics advisory opinions issued by the Office of Legal Ethics Counsel to members of the Bar about Rule 4 (Rules of Professional Conduct), Rule 5 (Complaints and Proceedings Thereon), and Rule 6 (Fees to Practice Law) pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Rule 5.30(c). Written summaries of select Informal Opinions are published for informational purposes as determined by the Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri pursuant to Rule 5.30(c). Informal opinion summaries are advisory in nature and are not binding. These opinions are published as an educational service and do not constitute legal advice.

To request an Informal Opinion, please visit: http://mo-legal-ethics.org/for lawyers/requesting-an-informal-advisory-opinion/.

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