Advisory Opinion: 1877

Year Issued: 1999

RPC(s): RPC 7.1; 7.2; 7.3

Subject: Solicitation; advertising; distribution of brochures at chiropractor's office

This inquiry concerns the ethical considerations of the inquiring lawyer distributing brochures about the lawyer’s legal services to the public and in chiropractors’ offices and whether that action would constitute solicitation, which is an ethical violation.

The conduct of the inquiring lawyer does not violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. Pursuant to RPC 7.1, the brochure does not appear to contain false or misleading communications. Pursuant to RPC 7.2, the lawyer is not giving anything of value to the chiropractors. Pursuant to RPC 7.2(c) and (d), it does contain his name. Pursuant to 7.3, he is not directly soliciting professional employment in person or by telephone. Under the circumstances, it appears that his conduct complies with the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Advisory Opinions are provided for the education of the Bar and reflect the opinion of the Committee on Professional Ethics (CPE) or its predecessors. Advisory Opinions are provided pursuant to the authorization granted by the Board of Governors, but are not individually approved by the Board and do not reflect the official position of the Bar association. Laws other than the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct may apply to the inquiry. The Committee's answer does not include or opine about any other applicable law other than the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct.