Ezel / Ethics Opinions / MOLEC

May a lawyer issue a press release about seminars the lawyer attended?

Short answer Yes. The opinion says the release is subject to the rules governing communications about a lawyer’s practice, Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5.
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

The lawyer asked whether a press release could announce seminars the lawyer attended.

The answer is yes, subject to the rules on communications about the lawyer’s practice. It points specifically to Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5.

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 opinion permit the press release?

A: Yes, with review under Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5.

Q: Does attending a seminar itself change the communication rules?

A: The opinion treats this press release like any other communication about the lawyer’s practice.

Background and rules framework

The answer is yes, subject to the rules on communications about the lawyer’s practice. It points specifically to Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5.

Citations and references

Rules of Professional Conduct:

  • Missouri Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.5

See also

Source

Original opinion text

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

QUESTION: May Attorney issue a press release regarding seminars Attorney has attended? ANSWER: Yes. As with any other communication about Attorney´s practice, Attorney should review Rules 4–7.1 through 4–7.5 to ensure that the communication is in compliance.

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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