Advisory Opinion: 1272

Year Issued: 1990

RPC(s): RPC 7.4

Subject: Use of term "specialist"

In response to your letter of June 26, 1990, as you are aware RPC 7.4 continues to prohibit the use of the tern "specialist" in lawyer advertising or solicitation. You are, of course, correct that in light of the recent Supreme Court decision, Peel v. Attorney Disciplinary Commission, that rule may be of questionable constitutionality. The Board of Governors has requested that the matter be referred to the Rules of Professional Conduct Committee which will be reviewing the matter at their July 27 meeting. However, at the present time, all I can advise it that RPC 7.4 continues in its present form.

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.