Can a lawyer use the word 'expert' in advertising?
Apply this to your situation
This page answers the general question as of 1991. Ask about yours and see what the current Washington Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
A lawyer asked about using the word "expert" in lawyer advertising. The committee was of the opinion that the use of that word would violate RPC 7.4.
The committee's reason was that the word "expert" would imply that the lawyer was a "specialist," a communication RPC 7.4 restricted.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1991, 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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance.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 advertise as an "expert"?
A: No. The committee was of the opinion that using the word "expert" would violate RPC 7.4 because it would imply the lawyer was a "specialist."
Q: Why did the word "expert" raise a problem under the rule?
A: The committee read it as implying specialist status, which RPC 7.4 governed and restricted.
Background and rules framework
The opinion applied RPC 7.4, Washington's rule on communicating fields of practice and specialization, which corresponds to ABA Model Rule 7.4. The committee treated "expert" as implying the regulated claim of being a "specialist," bringing it within the rule's restrictions.
Citations and references
Rules of Professional Conduct:
- ABA Model Rule 7.4 (communication of fields of practice and specialization)
- Washington RPC 7.4
See also
- NY State Bar Op. 1021: 'Expert' in a Domain Name
- SC Bar Ethics Op. 90-01: Announcing a Certified Specialty
Source
- Landing page: https://ao.wsba.org/print.aspx?ID=532
Original opinion text
Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.
Advisory Opinion: 1452
Year Issued: 1991
RPC(s): RPC 7.4
Subject: Advertising; use of "expert"
The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the use of the word expert" in lawyer advertising. The committee is of the opinion that the use of that word would violate RPC 7.4 because it would imply you were a "specialist".
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