ETHICS OPINION 478-1959 ADVERTISING

NUMBER 478

QUESTION.

 

The opinion of the Committee has been asked as to the propriety of an advertisement in Spanish, a translation of which is as follows:

 

Attorney A. B. C.

Announces the move to his new office.

(Address) (Telephone Number)

He wishes

all his friends, clients and the Spanish

Colony

A Very Merry Christmas

and a.

Prosperous Year 1959

 

and as to whether such advertisement can properly be published in a foreign language newspaper.

 

ANSWER.

 

Canon 27 of the Canons of Professional Ethics provides that the customary use of simple professional cards is permissible but limits the publication of such cards to approved Law Lists and Legal Directories.

 

The publication of the proposed advertisement in a secular newspaper would be a clear violation of the provisions of Canon 27.

 

The inclusion in the advertisement of Christmas and New Year’s greetings is likewise objectionable, as the obvious purpose is to attract additional business from present or past clients.

 

In answer to a similar question, the Committee on Professional Ethics of the Association or the Bar of the City of New York said: “While a lawyer’s personal relationship with certain of his clients may justify the sending of Christmas greeting cards, the word ‘Counselor’ and the telephone number have no proper place on such a card.” (Opinion No. 295).

 

Dated: February 18, 1959.