Advisory Opinion: 1186

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RPC 7.1; 7.4

Subject: Advertising; use of term "expert"

The Committee reviewed the inquiries referred to them by the Disciplinary Board concerning whether or not lawyers could properly use the term "personal injury experts." After considerable discussion, the Committee was of the opinion that the Rules of Professional Conduct did not expressly prohibit the use of the term "expert" and it is not per se improper. The Committee was of the opinion that the question is merely whether the use of such a term would be false or misleading.

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.