Opinion 1942

The inquirer asks to what extent RPC 7.4 applies to a lawyer’s business cards and stationery. The committee believes that RPC 7.4 applies to business cards and letterhead and, indeed, RPC 7.5(a) specifically refers to "letterhead". No exceptions are stated in RPC 7.4 that would eliminate the requirement that the reference to the certification on business cards or letterhead include the disclaimers stated in the rule. Therefore, a lawyer’s designation on business cards or letterhead that a lawyer has received board certification without the references mandated by RPC 7.4(b) would violate RPC 7.1(a), 7.4(b) and 7.5(a).

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.