Under Vermont's 1982 Code, could a lawyer run a newspaper display ad with a photo, a free-consultation offer, and a scales-of-justice symbol?
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This page answers the general question as of 1982. Ask about yours and see what the current Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
A lawyer proposed a newspaper ad with his photograph, a free-consultation offer, name, address, court and bar credentials, language about personal injury and property-loss settlements, and a scales-of-justice symbol. The committee found that none of those described elements appeared to violate former DR 2-101(D), as amended by the Vermont Supreme Court in July 1977.
The opinion cautioned that words, drawings, artwork, and photographs should not even indirectly convey more than DR 2-101(D) permitted. It also referred readers to the committee's Opinion 77-13.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1982 under Vermont's former Code of Professional Responsibility. The Vermont Supreme Court's rules history states that the Rules of Professional Conduct applied to lawyer conduct after September 1, 1999. Later amendments or opinions may have changed the analysis. Treat this opinion as historical context and verify current rules before relying on it.
Common questions
Q: Did the lawyer's photo and scales-of-justice symbol make the described ad impermissible?
A: The committee said none of the described elements appeared to violate DR 2-101(D), while cautioning that images must not convey more than the rule authorized.
Q: Could the ad offer a free case evaluation?
A: The proposed free-consultation statement was among the ad elements the committee found did not appear to violate the rule.
Background and rules framework
The opinion applied former DR 2-101(D), as amended in July 1977, to a specified newspaper display ad and cross-referenced Vermont Opinion 77-13.
Citations and references
Rules of Professional Conduct:
- Vermont Code of Professional Responsibility DR 2-101(D)
Other opinions cited:
- Vermont Advisory Ethics Opinion 77-13, a display-advertising opinion
See also
- Vermont Ethics Op. 94-13: Discounts and consultations
- Vermont Ethics Op. 88-05: Office announcements
Source
- Landing page: Vermont Bar Association advertising opinions
- Original PDF: Opinion 82-04
- Vermont Supreme Court rules history, “These rules apply to lawyer conduct after September 1, 1999.”
What do the rules say today, for your facts?
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