May a lawyer post a consenting client’s testimonial on the firm website?

Short answer Generally yes. The opinion permits a client testimonial if the statements comply with Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5.

Bar

MOLEC

Issued

2001

Apply this to your situation

This page answers the general question as of 2001. Ask about yours and see what the current Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.

How much weight this carries: Under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 5.30, formal opinions are binding; informal opinions are advisory. Source.

About this page: The plain-English summary, reader guidance, and Q&A below were written by Ezel based on the official ethics opinion. The original opinion (linked on this page) is the authoritative source for any reliance.

Plain-English summary

A client offered to speak about a lawyer’s services and allow a testimonial on the firm website.

The opinion generally permits client testimonials in advertising, including websites, but says the statements must not violate Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5.

Currency note

This opinion was issued in 2001, before Missouri’s 2007 revisions to the Rules of Professional Conduct. Later amendments or opinions may have changed the analysis. Treat this page as historical context and verify current rules before relying on it. The official Rule 4-1.9 and 4-1.10 reference notes identify July 1, 2007 amendments.

Common questions

Q: May the testimonial appear online?

A: Generally yes, according to the opinion.

Q: Does consent remove advertising limits?

A: No. The opinion still applies Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5.

Background and rules framework

The opinion identifies Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5 as the advertising framework for the proposed testimonial.

Citations and references

Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct:

Rule 4-7.1
Rule 4-7.2
Rule 4-7.3
Rule 4-7.4
Rule 4-7.5

Source

Landing page: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/informal-opinion/20010107/
Rule revision reference: Missouri Informal Opinion 20030007

Original opinion text

Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.

QUESTION: Attorney recently launched a website for Attorney’s firm. A client viewed the website and offered to serve as a reference and speak to clients about the services that Attorney offers. Would this breach any ethical guidelines if Attorney were to post this information on Attorney’s website? Any statements would come directly from the client with complete consent.

ANSWER: It is generally permissible for Attorney to use a client testimonial in advertising, such as a website. The testimonial cannot include statements or information that would violate any of the rules regarding advertising, Rules 4–7.1-4–7.5.

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