Opinion 2048

The inquirer is a member of a law firm that belongs to a nonprofit association of independent law firms across the country called “XYZ International”. The association has a logo that the inquirer’s firm wishes to use. May they do so?

A law firm may use a membership logo that is truthful and not misleading. RPC 7.1 prohibits a lawyer from making false or misleading communications about the lawyer or the lawyer’s services. A lawyer may advertise through a variety of methods including written communications like a letterhead. RPC 7.2(a).The truthful use of a membership logo on a law firm’s letterhead does not violate the RPC rules concerning advertising as being neither misleading nor deceptive.

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.