Could a lawyer write potential business clients about relevant experience and offer an in-person interview?

Short answer The opinion answered yes to the proposed letter describing experience in a particular area and offering an interview about qualifications.

Bar

MOLEC

Issued

1993

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.

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 lawyer proposed sending letters to potential business clients stating experience in a particular area. The letters would also offer to visit each business for an interview about the lawyer's experience and qualifications.

The opinion answered yes. It did not give additional conditions or cite a numbered rule.

Currency note

This 1993 opinion predates Missouri's 2007 amendments to its Rules of Professional Conduct. An official reference note identifies July 1, 2007 amendments to Rules 4-1.9 and 4-1.10. 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: Could the lawyer send the proposed letter?

A: Yes, according to the opinion.

Q: What did the letter offer?

A: A visit to the business for an interview about experience and qualifications.

Background and rules framework

The opinion addressed a direct letter to potential business clients about a lawyer's experience and availability for an interview. It cited no numbered rule.

Source

Landing page: https://mo-legal-ethics.org/informal-opinion/930086/

Original opinion text

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

QUESTION: May attorney send a letter to potential business clients indicating that attorney has experience in a particular area and offering to be available to come to the business to be interviewed regarding experience and qualifications. ANSWER: Yes.

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