When a law firm changes its name, does it have to tell its clients?
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This page answers the general question as of 1997. Ask about yours and see what the current Washington Rules of Professional Conduct say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
The committee concluded that while there is no general requirement that a law firm notify its clients of a lawful and proper firm-name change, there may be a requirement to inform individual clients because the change may affect their case. The committee added that if the firm does notify its clients of the name change, it should do so in compliance with RPC 7.1, 7.3, and 7.5.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1997, 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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance.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. Washington's cited rules correspond to ABA Model Rules 7.1 (communications about a lawyer's services), 7.3 (solicitation), and 7.5 (firm names and letterheads).
Common questions
Q: Does a firm have to tell every client when it changes its name?
A: The committee concluded there is no general requirement to notify clients of a lawful and proper firm-name change.
Q: When might a client need to be told?
A: The committee said there may be a requirement to inform individual clients because the name change may affect their case.
Q: If the firm does send notice, what rules apply?
A: The committee said any notice should comply with RPC 7.1, 7.3, and 7.5.
Background and rules framework
The opinion addressed a firm-name change under RPC 7.1 (communications concerning a lawyer's services), 7.3 (solicitation), and 7.5 (firm names and letterheads), corresponding to the like-numbered ABA Model Rules. The committee separated the general absence of a notice duty from the case-specific possibility that a name change affects a particular client's matter, and required any notice that is sent to satisfy the communication and firm-name rules.
Citations and references
Rules of Professional Conduct:
- ABA Model Rule 7.1 (communications concerning a lawyer's services); Washington RPC 7.1
- ABA Model Rule 7.3 (solicitation of clients); Washington RPC 7.3
- ABA Model Rule 7.5 (firm names and letterheads); Washington RPC 7.5
See also
- WSBA Ethics Op. 1144: Using a Former Partner's Name
- WA Ethics Op. 1377: Firm Name Without 'Inc.'
- WA Ethics Op. 1271: Shared Phone Line Firm Name
Source
- Landing page: https://ao.wsba.org/print.aspx?ID=807
Original opinion text
Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.
Advisory Opinion: 1735
Year Issued: 1997
RPC(s): RPC 7.1; 7.3; 7.5
Subject: Change in firm name; duty to notify clients
It is the Committee's opinion that while there is no general requirement that a law firm notify its clients of a lawful and proper firm name change, there may be a requirement to inform individual clients because it may affect their case. If the firm does notify its clients of its firm's name change, it should do so in compliance with RPC 7.1, 7.3 and 7.5.
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