Opinion 1937

[Editor's Note: All names used in this opinion are fictitious]. The inquiring lawyer asks whether it is ethical to advertise his legal services under the name "John Doe Gonzales" or "John Doe-Gonzales" where his legal name is "John Doe". The inquirer states that it is customary in many Hispanic cultures to use the first part of his father’s surname with the first part of his mother’s surname. Because his mother’s maiden name is "Maria Gonzales Rodriguez", the inquirer would like to advertise his legal services in the Hispanic community under the name "John Doe Gonzales" or John Doe-Gonzales".

The committee believes that the inquiring lawyer’s use of the "John Doe Gonzales" or "John Doe-Gonzales" in advertisements is false and misleading in violation of RPC 7.1(a) and 7.5(a). The use of more than one name at the same time in a lawyer’s practice is false and inherently misleading. Lawyers should use the name under which they are licensed to practice with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). This allows the public at large to make accurate inquiries to the WSBA regarding a lawyer’s good standing and disciplinary history.

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.