Back to Search

Informal Opinion Number: 970238

Rules: 7.2(c)
Information About Legal Services
Advertising

QUESTION: Attorney´s firm would like to have a few of their clients give out coupons to their customers in mailers that would be sent by the business. Some would also place them in their business. Attorney´s firm will not be paying for them to be distributed. Does the use of these coupons violate the rule relating to advertising? Are there any other rules that would restrict the use of these coupons? ANSWER: Attorney has not indicated whether Attorney has given or will give anything of value to the businesses that will distribute the coupons in exchange for their distribution. It would not violate Rule 4 dash–7.2(c) if Attorney only pays for the expense of the actual coupons. If Attorney has any understanding with these businesses that they will receive anything of value from Attorney, including but not limited to, discounts, waiver of fees, referrals to those businesses, the arrangement would violate Rule 4 dash–7.2(c). Other details regarding the manner of distribution could indicate problems with other rules. When third parties distribute the advertising it is not possible to give a definite opinion about the propriety of the manner of distribution.

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.

Request an Informal Opinion.

© Copyright 2026