Ezel / Ethics Opinions / MOLEC

May a Missouri lawyer practice under a trade name?

Short answer Yes. The opinion permits a trade name under Rule 4-7.5 and says advertisements must name at least one lawyer responsible for them under Rule 4-7.2(d).
Bar
MOLEC
Issued
1996

Apply this to your situation

This page answers the general question as of 1996. 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 asked whether a trade name could be used for the practice.

The answer permits a Missouri trade name under Rule 4-7.5. It says advertising under that name must include at least one lawyer responsible for the advertisement to comply with Rule 4-7.2(d).

Currency note

This opinion was issued in 1996, before Missouri’s 2007 revisions to the Rules of Professional Conduct. 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: Does the trade name itself violate Rule 4-7.5?

A: No, according to the opinion.

Q: What name must advertising include?

A: At least one lawyer responsible for the advertisement.

Background and rules framework

The answer permits a Missouri trade name under Rule 4-7.5. It says advertising under that name must include at least one lawyer responsible for the advertisement to comply with Rule 4-7.2(d).

Citations and references

Rules of Professional Conduct:

  • Missouri Rule 4-7.5
  • Missouri Rule 4-7.2(d)

See also

Source

Original opinion text

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

QUESTION: May Attorney use a trade name in connection with Attorney´s practice?

ANSWER: Attorney may use a trade name in connection with Attorney´s practice in Missouri without violating Rule 4–7.5. If Attorney uses a trade name, Attorney should be careful that all advertising includes the name of at least one attorney responsible for the advertisement in order to comply with Rule 4–7.2(d).

What do the rules say today, for your facts?

This opinion is from 1996. Ezel checks the current Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct against your situation and cites the rules it relies on.

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