Can a lawyer post a sign showing that he is a consul next to his law firm sign?
Apply this to your situation
This page answers the general question as of 1986. Ask about yours and see what the current Washington Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
The committee was of the opinion that nothing in the Rules of Professional Conduct would prohibit a lawyer from posting a sign indicating that he was a consul next to or below his law firm sign.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1986, before the 2006 revisions to the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct. Subsequent rule amendments or later opinions may have changed the analysis. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance. Verify against current rules before relying on any specific rule, deadline, or requirement mentioned here.
Common questions
Q: Can a lawyer who is a consul advertise that role on a sign at the office?
A: Under this opinion, yes. The committee was of the opinion that nothing in the Rules of Professional Conduct would prohibit a lawyer from posting a sign indicating that he was a consul next to or below his law firm sign.
Q: Where could the consul sign be placed?
A: The committee described the sign as posted next to or below the lawyer's law firm sign.
Background and rules framework
The opinion addresses signage at a law office, specifically a sign identifying the lawyer as a consul placed near the law firm sign. The committee did not cite a specific Rule of Professional Conduct and concluded nothing in the Rules would prohibit the sign.
Citations and references
Rules of Professional Conduct:
- None cited in the opinion.
See also
- WSBA Ethics Op. 907: listing nonlawyers on office signs and letterhead
- WSBA Ethics Op. 987: keeping a departed lawyer's name in the firm name
Source
- Landing page: https://ao.wsba.org/print.aspx?ID=144
Original opinion text
Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.
Advisory Opinion: 1033
Year Issued: 1986
RPC(s):
Subject: Signage; posting of sign indicating lawyer is consul
The Committee was of the opinion that nothing in the Rules of Professional Conduct would prohibit a lawyer from posting a sign indicating that he was consul next to or below his law firm sign.
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