Informal Opinion Number: 940039
Rules: 7.1;8.4(c)
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Communication Concerning a Lawyer´s Services
QUESTION: Attorney has not changed her name since she got married a number of years ago. Attorney now wishes to change her name but wants to continue to use her current name professionally. ANSWER: As long as Attorney maintains the same name in all aspects of her professional practice, it would not violate the rules. Attorney should be certain that she uses the same name on all pleadings and professional correspondence and in all advertising. Attorney should also make certain that the name used for her professional name is the name on file with the Missouri Supreme Court, The Missouri Bar and this office.
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.
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