Advisory Opinion: 919

Year Issued: 1985

RPC(s): RPC 7.4

Subject: Letterhead; implied specialist; misleading firm name

The Committee was of the opinion that the placing of the language "escrow and real matters" on your office sign, letterhead and business cards would imply that you were a specialist in that area of law, and would be prohibited by RPC 7.4. However, the Committee did note that you could provide the information that you do or do not practice in the particular field of law in your advertising. Additionally, the Committee wanted to point out that the name Doe and Associates for a law firm consisting of yourself and one associate would be misleading, as it implies that you have more than one associate.

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.