990195 | Office of Legal Ethics Counsel & Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri

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Informal Opinion Number: 990195

Rules: 4–7.4

Information About Legal Services

Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization

Subject: Advertising and Solicitation

Summary: lawyer can list membership in associations without including specialist disclaimer

QUESTION: Attorney is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. May Attorney use the membership designation and logo on Attorney´s letterhead, business cards, firm brochure, newspaper advertisements and telephone advertisements without having to give the disclaimer for certifications required in Missouri?

ANSWER: Attorney may indicate that Attorney is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., without including the disclaimer required by Rule 4 dash–7.4. This opinion is based on the understanding that this organization is an association, which anyone may join by paying the appropriate fee and no representation regarding qualifications or expertise is involved.

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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