Advisory Opinion: 1412

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 7.1(b)

Subject: Advertising; listing of verdicts obtained creates unjustified expectation for future cases

The Committee reviewed your inquiry regarding a yellow page advertisement of another lawyer which included, among other things, statements regarding verdicts obtained by that lawyer. The Committee was of the opinion that such advertising statements, even if true, are likely to create an unjustified expectation about results the lawyer can achieve in future cases which would violate RPC 7.1(b).

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.