Can two law firms describe themselves as 'affiliated' or 'associated' on their letterhead, and what conflict and confidentiality duties follow?

Plain-English summary

This is a joint opinion of the Standing Committee on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation (SCOLAS) and the Standing Committee on Legal Ethics, addressing whether two law firms may describe their relationship as "affiliated" or "associated" on letterhead.

On the advertising side, the opinion applies Rules 7.1 and 7.5: a description of one firm as "affiliated" or "associated" with another is permitted so long as it is truthful and not misleading and matches the actual relationship. Such labels can give clients useful information, especially in multi-state practice, so a blanket prohibition is not justified. Following ABA Formal Op. 84-351, the committee explains that "affiliated" or "associated" should denote a close, regular, continuing, semi-permanent relationship (analogous to "Of Counsel" under LEO 1293), not a mere forwarder-receiver arrangement; the affiliated firm must be available for consultation and advice. More descriptive language (for example, "available for association on all tax matters") may be required so the description is not misleading, and the noun "affiliate" properly applies only to organizations under common ownership and control, which is uncommon in law.

On the conflicts and confidentiality side, the Ethics Committee concludes that when firms hold themselves out as "affiliated" or "associated," clients reasonably expect the affiliated firm's lawyers will not represent adverse interests, just as with an "Of Counsel" relationship (LEO 1467). The committee treats the affiliated or associated firms as a single firm for imputation purposes under Rule 1.10(a), applies Rule 1.7's bar on directly adverse concurrent representation absent consent, and notes Rule 1.9's irrebuttable presumption that affiliates share a former client's confidences in substantially related matters, with screening ("Chinese wall") not accepted as a cure. Whether two practitioners constitute a "firm" depends on the facts and how they present themselves to the public (Comment 1 to Rule 1.10).

In practice

The opinion holds that, under the Virginia rules as they stood at the time, firms may truthfully advertise an "affiliated" or "associated" relationship under Rules 7.1 and 7.5, with enough descriptive detail to avoid misleading clients. Per the opinion, the same firms are then analyzed as one firm for conflicts and confidentiality under Rules 1.7, 1.9, and 1.10, so a conflict that would disqualify one firm's lawyer is imputed to the other, and screening is not accepted to cure a former-client conflict.

Common questions

Q: Can two law firms say they are "affiliated" or "associated" on letterhead?

A: Yes, the opinion permits it under Rules 7.1 and 7.5 if the label truthfully describes a close, ongoing relationship and is not misleading; more descriptive language may be needed to keep it accurate.

Q: What does "affiliated" or "associated" have to mean?

A: The opinion says it must reflect a close, regular, continuing, semi-permanent relationship in which the firm is available for consultation and advice, not just a forwarder-receiver of business.

Q: How are conflicts handled between affiliated firms?

A: The opinion treats affiliated or associated firms as a single firm under Rule 1.10, so conflicts under Rules 1.7 and 1.9 are imputed between them, and screening is not accepted to cure a former-client conflict.

Background and rules framework

The opinion interprets Rule 7.1 (communications about a lawyer's services) and Rule 7.5 (firm names and letterheads) on the advertising question, and Rules 1.7, 1.9, and 1.10 (Model Rules 1.7, 1.9, 1.10) on imputed conflicts and confidentiality. It adopts the reasoning of ABA Formal Op. 84-351 and analogizes to the "Of Counsel" relationship treated in LEOs 1293 and 1467.

Citations and references

Rules of Professional Conduct:

• Model Rule 7.1 / Virginia Rule 7.1 (false or misleading communications)
• Virginia Rule 7.5 (firm names and letterheads)
• Model Rule 1.10 / Virginia Rule 1.10(a) (imputation of conflicts)
• Model Rule 1.7 / Virginia Rule 1.7; Model Rule 1.9 / Virginia Rule 1.9 (concurrent and former-client conflicts)

Other opinions cited:

• ABA Formal Op. 84-351 (use of "affiliated" or "associated")
• Virginia LEOs 1293, 1467 ("Of Counsel" relationships between firms)

See also

• VA LEO 1873: Former Firm Name in a URL After a Name Change
• ABA Formal Op. 507: Office-Sharing Arrangements
• ABA Formal Op. 03-430: Insurance Staff Counsel Representation and Naming

Source

• Landing page: https://vsb.org/Site/about/rules-regulations/leo-opinions.aspx
• Original PDF: https://www.vsb.org/common/Uploaded%20files/LEOs/1813.pdf

Original opinion text

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

Committee Opinion
Standing Committee on Lawyer Advertising
and Solicitation
Standing Committee on Legal Ethics
March 16, 2005

LEGAL ETHICS OPINION 1813

LAWYER ADVERTISING – USE OF THE
TERMS “AFFILIATED” OR “ASSOCIATED”.

Inquiry:
Can two law firms use the term “affiliated” or “associated” to describe the relationship
between the firms on their letterhead?
Opinion:
The communication that one firm is “affiliated” or “associated” with another is not prohibited
by the Rules of Professional Conduct, as long as the relationship between the firms is such that
the communication is not false or misleading. The opinion also states that if “associated” or
“affiliated,” the law firms must adhere to the applicable rules regulating disclosure of
confidential information and conflicts of interest as if they were a single firm. See ABA Formal
Op. 84-351. The questions in this opinion relating to lawyer advertising will be addressed by the
Standing Committee on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation (“SCOLAS”). The questions in
this opinion relating to confidentiality and conflict will be addressed by the Standing Committee
on Legal Ethics (“Ethics Committee”). This is a joint committee opinion.
Advertising
The appropriate and controlling disciplinary rules are Rule 7.1 and 7.5. Rule 7.1 governs
communications concerning a lawyer’s services. It prohibits the communication if it contains
false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive statements or claims. Rule 7.5 deals with firm names
and designations that must be truthful and accurate and not otherwise in violation of Rule 7.1 and
7.2.
RULE 7.1

Communications Concerning A Lawyer's Services

(a) A lawyer shall not, on behalf of the lawyer or any other lawyer
affiliated with the lawyer or the firm, use or participate in the use of any form of
public communication if such communication contains a false, fraudulent,
misleading, or deceptive statement or claim. For example, a communication
violates this Rule if it:
(1) contains false or misleading information; or
(2) states or implies that the outcome of a particular legal matter was not
or will not be related to its facts or merits; or
(3) compares the lawyer's services with other lawyers' services, unless the
comparison can be factually substantiated; or

Committee Opinion
Standing Committee on Lawyer Advertising
and Solicitation
Standing Committee on Legal Ethics
March 16, 2005

(4) is likely to create an unjustified expectation about results the lawyer
can achieve, or states or implies that the lawyer can achieve results by means that
violate the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law.
(b) Public communication means all communication other than “inperson” communication as defined by Rule 7.3.
RULE 7.5

Firm Names And Letterheads

(a) A lawyer or law firm may use or participate in the use of a professional
card, professional announcement card, office sign, letterheads, telephone directory
listing, law list, legal directory listing, website, or a similar professional notice or
device unless it includes a statement or claim that is false, fraudulent, misleading,
or deceptive. A trade name may be used by a lawyer in private practice if it does
not imply a connection with a government agency or with a public or charitable
legal services organization and is not otherwise in violation of Rule 7.1 and 7.2.
(b) A law firm shall not be formed or continued between or among
lawyers licensed in different jurisdictions unless all enumerations of the members
and associates of the firm on its letterhead and in other permissible listings make
clear the jurisdictional limitations of those members and associates of the firm not
licensed to practice in all listed jurisdictions; however, the same firm name may
be used in each jurisdiction.
(c) The name of a lawyer holding a public office shall not be used in the
name of a law firm, or in communications on its behalf, during any substantial
period in which the lawyer is not actively and regularly practicing with the firm.
(d) Lawyers may state or imply that they practice in a partnership or other
organization only when that is the fact.
SCOLAS has observed a trend for more lawyers and firms to practice in multiple states. When
lawyers or firms practice together regularly, particularly in the multi-state practice, but not as a
single firm, communications describing these firms as “affiliated” or “associated” can, in
appropriate circumstances, provide useful information to clients and potential clients in selecting
a law firm. An absolute prohibition of such a description is not justified. SCOLAS agrees with
the analysis employed by the American Bar Association in ABA Formal Op. 84-351 and finds
many of the examples from that opinion instructive. The following serves as guidelines to
explain where the use of these terms is permissible.
First and foremost, the use of the terms like “affiliated” or “associated” are permitted under
Rule 7.1 because they accurately describe the relationship that exists. This opinion then

Committee Opinion
Standing Committee on Lawyer Advertising
and Solicitation
Standing Committee on Legal Ethics
March 16, 2005

discusses the application of the provisions on conflict of interest and confidentiality under the
Rules of Professional Conduct.
The basic requirement regarding lawyer advertising under Rule 7.1(a) is that communications
by a lawyer concerning legal services must not be false or misleading. Thus, designation by a
lawyer or law firm of another law firm on a letterhead or in any other communication, including
private communication with a client or other person, as “affiliated” or “associated” with the
lawyer or law firm must be consistent with the actual relationship. Communication that another
law firm is “affiliated” or “associated” is not misleading if the relationship comports with the
plain meaning which persons receiving the communication would normally ascribe to those
words or if used only with other information necessary to adequately describe the relationship
and avoid confusion. An “affiliated” or “associated” law firm would normally mean a firm that
is closely associated or connected with the other lawyer or firm in an ongoing and regular
relationship.
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (1997) defines “affiliate”, a noun, as “an affiliated person or
organization; specifically: a company effectively controlled by another or associated with others
under common ownership or control.” “Affiliated,” an adjective, is defined as “closely
associated with another typically in a dependent or subordinate position; closely connected (as in
function or office) with another.” The word “associate,” a noun, is defined as “partner,
colleague, friend.”
The use of these terms currently in relation to the field of law seems quite clear. The term
“associate” is frequently used to refer to an individual lawyer employee of a law firm. In another
context, a lawyer or law firm is sometimes said to be “associated” with another lawyer or firm in
a specific lawsuit or on a specific legal matter. In those instances, the meaning is clear.
A different type of relationship is implied by the use of the term “affiliate” as a noun; therefore
SCOLAS believes that a lawyer or law firm must be mindful of this distinction. The proper use
of the noun “affiliate” would only be in circumstances where organizations exist under common
ownership and control but maintain separate identities, which is not common in the legal field.
The type of relationship that is implied in designating another firm as “affiliated” or
“associated” is analogous to the ongoing relationship that is required by the designation of “Of
Counsel” as clarified in LEO 1293. The relationship must be close and regular, continuing and
semi-permanent, and not merely that of forwarder-receiver of legal business. The “affiliated” or
“associated” firm must be available to the other firm and its clients for consultation and advice.
Availability may be on a limited basis if, for instance, the “affiliated” or “associated” firm
performs all of the tax, labor, patent or other specialized work for the firm. Availability may also
be limited to performing legal services that have a relationship to or must be performed in
another state. More descriptive language may be required to explain the precise relationship
between the firms and to avoid misleading clients and others. For example, a firm might be
described as “available for association on all tax matters,” if that is true and tax work is the only

Committee Opinion
Standing Committee on Lawyer Advertising
and Solicitation
Standing Committee on Legal Ethics
March 16, 2005

work that its members will perform for clients of the other firm. An out-of-state firm might be
described as “associated” or “affiliated” on all matters in the particular state or pertaining to its
law. Whether this further description is, itself, false or misleading depends on the actual
relationship. Care must be used to describe the relationship precisely and with sufficient
information that no material facts are omitted that are necessary to keep the description of the
relationship from being misleading.
Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
When a law firm lists another as “affiliated” or “associated” with it, potential clients of the
listing firm are led to believe that lawyers with the “affiliated” or “associated” firm are available
to assist in the representation, at least in matters that the designation may describe. The client
ordinarily also expects the lawyers of the “affiliated” or “associated” firm will not
simultaneously represent persons whose interests conflict with the client’s interests, just as
would be true of lawyers who occupy an “Of Counsel” relationship with the firm. See LEO
1467 affirming “Of Counsel” relationship designations between two law firms, provided the
requisite close, regular, personal relationship exists between the two firms. Also, Rule 1.10(a)
provides:
(a) While lawyers are associated in a firm, none of them shall knowingly
represent a client when any one of them practicing alone would be prohibited
from doing so by Rules 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, or 2.10(e).
Comment [1] to Rule 1.10 points out that what constitutes a firm can depend on the specific
facts. Two practitioners that share office space and occasionally consult each other may not
ordinarily be recognized as constituting a firm, however, if they present themselves to the public
in such a way that they suggest they are a firm, then they should be regarded as a firm under the
Rules. Important factors to consider are the terms of any formal agreement between the lawyers
and the fact that they may have mutual access to client information.
Generally, lawyers in the same law firm may not simultaneously represent two clients whose
interests are adverse even when the representation is in unrelated matters. Rule 1.7 provides that
“[a] lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client will be directly adverse
to another client, unless … the lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not adversely
affect the relationship with the other client; and … each client consents after consultation” or if
the lawyer’s “representation of that client may be materially limited by the lawyer’s
responsibilities to another client … unless … the lawyer reasonably believes the representation
will not be adversely affected, and the client consents after consultation.” Comment [1] to Rule
1.7 states further that a lawyer’s duty of loyalty to the client generally prohibits the lawyer from
accepting employment directly adverse to the client without the client’s consent.
Rule 1.9 follows the vast majority of cases in creating an irrebuttable presumption that present
affiliates will share a former client’s confidences where the adverse representations are in
substantially related matters. The use of the “Chinese wall” approach to screen confidential
information is not accepted, as the basis of the Rules of Professional Conduct is centered

Committee Opinion
Standing Committee on Lawyer Advertising
and Solicitation
Standing Committee on Legal Ethics
March 16, 2005

principally on the need to protect client confidences even after the lawyer-client relationship
ceases.
The Ethics Committee believes that the same rationale applies where law firms hold
themselves out as “affiliated” or “associated” with one another, as applies under the Rules of
Professional Conduct and the foregoing examples, where conflicts arise within law firms. When
a firm elects to affiliate or associate another with it and to communicate that fact to the public
and clients, there is no practical distinction between the relationship of affiliates under that
arrangement and the relationship of separate offices in a law firm. The Ethics Committee is of
the opinion that ordinarily the same analysis would apply to both arrangements to determine
when the firms have a disqualifying conflict of interest treating the “affiliated” or “associated”
firms for this purpose as a single firm. 1
This opinion is advisory only, based only on the facts you presented and not binding on any
court or tribunal.

1

This opinion does not address the issues of liability exposure and insurance associated with firms who hold
themselves out as “affiliated” or “associated.”