Advisory Opinion: 1278

Year Issued: 1989

RPC(s): RPC 7.4

Subject: Communicating fields of practice; specialist

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning a member of your law firm who is licensed only in Texas. Your specific question is whether that lawyer may use business letterhead stating "Board Certified - Family Law -- Texas Board of Legal Specialization." The Committee was of the opinion that the use of such language would be prohibited by RPC 7.4 which prohibits a Washington lawyer from stating or implying that the lawyer is a specialist.

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.