Advisory Opinion: 2088

Year Issued: 2005

RPC(s): RPC 7.1, 7.5

Subject: Use of firm name

The inquirer is a member of a law firm and asks the following question:

Smith, Jones & Jackson, P.S. [fictitious name] has been a law firm in Seattle for over 50 years. They would like to do advertising for their firm. The firm would like to have ‘The Smith Law Firm’ at the top of their advertisement in addition to the full name of Smith, Jones & Jackson, P.S. along with their phone number and address in the advertisement. ‘The Smith Law Firm’ has not been incorporated by anyone in the state. Would Smith, Jones & Jackson, P.S. violate Title 7 of the Rules of Professional Conduct by using ‘The Smith Law Firm’ in addition to their full name in their advertisement?

The Committee believes that as long as the abbreviated designation “The Smith Law Firm” is coupled directly in advertising with the full firm name of “Smith, Jones & Jackson, P.S.” the proposed advertising complies with RPCs 7.5 and 7.1.

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.