Can a lawyer's office sign list 'Notary Public' or an area of practice such as immigration?
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This page answers the general question as of 1993. Ezel answers yours: whether it's allowed on your facts, under the current rules of professional conduct in your state, with citations.
Plain-English summary
A lawyer asked whether an office sign could list "Notary Public" or an area of practice. The committee was of the opinion that there is no prohibition against listing Notary Public or General Practice of Immigration on an office sign, so long as it does not constitute a misrepresentation of a lawyer's experience and ability.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1993, before the Washington State Bar Association's adoption of the 2006 revisions to the 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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance.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's office sign say 'Notary Public'?
A: The committee said there is no prohibition against listing Notary Public on an office sign, so long as it does not misrepresent the lawyer's experience and ability.
Q: Can the sign list an area of practice?
A: The committee said a practice area such as general practice of immigration could be listed, subject to the same no-misrepresentation limit.
Background and rules framework
The opinion applied RPC 7.4 (corresponding to ABA Model Rule 7.4), which governs how a lawyer may communicate fields of practice. The committee treated an office sign listing a notary credential or a practice area as a permissible communication, with the controlling limit being that it not misrepresent the lawyer's experience and ability.
Citations and references
Rules of Professional Conduct:
- ABA Model Rule 7.4 (communication of fields of practice); Washington RPC 7.4
See also
- WA Ethics Op. 1519: Out-of-State Specialty Listing
- WA Ethics Op. 1534: Advertising for a Joint-Venture Partner
Source
- Landing page: https://ao.wsba.org/print.aspx?ID=619
Original opinion text
Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.
Advisory Opinion: 1538
Year Issued: 1993
RPC(s): RPC 7.4
Subject: Advertising; office sign listing "Notary Public" or area of practice
The Committee is of the opinion that there is no prohibition against listing Notary Public or General Practice of Immigration on an office sign so long as it does not constitute a misrepresentation of a lawyer's experience and ability.
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