Opinion 1623

Subject: Fields of practice; advertising; use of words "tax attorney" in letterhead, business cards and promotional materials

The Committee discussed your inquiry regarding the use of the words "Tax Attorneys" in a law firm's letterhead, business cards, and promotional materials. The Committee was of the opinion that the Rules of Professional Conduct do not prohibit a law firm, all of whose attorneys practice in the field of tax law, from using the words "Tax Attorneys" in its communications, providing that the content or method of communication in which the words are used is not false or misleading within the meaning of RPC 7.5(a).

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.