Ezel / Ethics Opinions / MOLEC

May a litigation firm describe its lawyers as 'trial lawyers' on letterhead?

Short answer Yes. The opinion permits the phrase, but requires the Rule 4-7.4 disclaimer if the letterhead states or implies specialization or certification.
Bar
MOLEC
Issued
2002

Apply this to your situation

This page answers the general question as of 2002. Ask about yours and see what the current Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.

Currency note: this opinion is from 2002
Subsequent statutory amendments, court decisions, or later opinions or rule amendments may have changed the analysis. Treat this page as historical context, not current legal advice. Verify current law before relying on any specific rule, deadline, or remedy mentioned here.
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 firm whose lawyers handled civil and workers' compensation litigation asked to use the phrase 'trial lawyers' on letterhead.

The opinion permits the description. If the wording states or implies specialization or certification, the Rule 4-7.4 disclaimer is required.

In practice

The opinion allows the phrase while conditioning specialized or certified claims on the cited disclaimer.

Common questions

Q: Is 'trial lawyers' itself forbidden?

A: No. The opinion permits it for the stated firm.

Q: When is a disclaimer required?

A: If the statement or implication is that the lawyer specializes or is certified.

Background and rules framework

The opinion applies Rule 4-7.4's disclaimer condition to claims of specialization or certification.

Citations and references

Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct:

  • Rule 4-7.4

See also

Source

Original opinion text

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

QUESTION: Is it permissible for a law firm in which every member of the firm is involved in civil or workers’ compensation litigation to use the phrase “trial lawyers” on its letterhead?

ANSWER: It is permissible for Attorney to use the term “trial lawyers” to describe Attorney’s practice. If Attorney states or implies that Attorney specializes or is certified, Attorney must include the disclaimer required by Rule 4–7.4.

What do the rules say today, for your facts?

This opinion is from 2002. Ezel checks the current Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct against your situation and cites the rules it relies on.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace