ETHICS OPINION 256-1927

ETHICS OPINION 256

NUMBER 256 1927

Question. In the opinion of the Committee, is it professionally proper for a young lawyer to send to officials of exclusively nonprofit making, charitable, educational, or civic organizations with whom he had come into contact while serving his clerkship, or who were professional friends of his, a professional card announcing the opening of an office and in addition including a statement indicating that because of his interest in their work, he would be glad to handle legal matters for them without charge for such services?

in the opinion of the Committee, is it professionally proper for a young lawyer to send to officials of exclusively nonprofit making, charitable, educational, or civic organizations with which he had no personal contacts but whose purposes he knows and agrees with, a professional card announcing the opening of an office and in addition including a statement indicating that because of his interest and belief in their work, he would be glad to handle legal work for them without charge for such services?

Answer. The traditions of the legal profession favor the representation of the cause of the defenseless or oppressed but such traditions also condemn improper advertising and solicitation of employment, howsoever cloaked, or through whatsoever device. This Committee in many answers has expressed its opinion upon particular practices contravening these traditions.

In the opinion of the Committee the age of the lawyer is a matter of indifference; the willingness to assist charities gratuitously is to be commended, but the method adopted appears to be a cover for solicitation of contacts which will be likely to inure to his profitable employment. It is apt to cast suspicion upon his motives. General solicitation of the character suggested is, in the opinion of the Committee, a cloak or device, and to be disapproved.

This answer applies to both inquiries.