Advisory Opinion: 1075

Year Issued: 1987

RPC(s): RPC 7.4

Subject: Advertising; use of "certified," "diplomate," and "specialist"

The Committee was of the opinion that, based on the facts in your inquiry, a lawyer could advertise himself as "certified as a criminal trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy." The Committee was of the opinion that the term "diplomate" might be misleading or deceptive as that term does not appear in the certificate given to the lawyer. The Committee was further of the opinion that the other examples presented in your inquiry would be prohibited because they use the word "specialist" which would appear to violate RPC 7.4.

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.