May a law firm list its office manager, paralegals, or legal assistants on its letterhead?
Apply this to your situation
This page answers the general question as of 1993. Ask about yours and see what the current Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
The question asked whether letterhead could include the office manager and paralegals or a legal assistant. The opinion answered yes, provided that those people were clearly identified as non-attorneys.
It offered two possible layouts: a heading identifying the lawyers as attorneys, or a “Non-attorneys” heading above the staff names. It also said other approaches were possible.
Currency note
This 1993 opinion predates amendments to Missouri Rules 4-1.9 and 4-1.10 that took effect July 1, 2007, as described in an official reference note. Subsequent rule amendments or later opinions may have changed the analysis. Treat this page as historical context and verify current rules before relying on it.
Common questions
Q: May the letterhead name an office manager or paralegal?
A: Yes, if the person is clearly identified as a non-attorney.
Q: How did the opinion suggest making the distinction?
A: It suggested placing a heading over the attorneys' names or a “Non-attorneys” heading over staff names. It said other approaches were also possible.
Background and rules framework
The opinion addressed how a firm's letterhead identifies its lawyers and non-attorney staff. It cited no numbered rule.
See also
- Missouri Informal Op. 930088: Degrees and practice areas on letterhead
- Missouri Informal Op. 20020080: Trial lawyers on letterhead
Source
- Landing page: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/informal-opinion/930075/
Original opinion text
Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.
QUESTION: Is letterhead acceptable which includes the office manager and paralegals or legal assistant? ANSWER: Yes, as long as these individuals are clearly identified as non-attorneys. A heading over the attorneys names showing them to be attorneys would be one approach. Another approach would be to include a heading “Non-attorneys” over the names of the non-attorney staff. Other approaches would also be possible.
What do the rules say today, for your facts?
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