Monday, March 29, 2010
Advertising without Violating the Bar Rules
Federal and state regulations on advertising affect everyone. Attorneys face even more challenges in advertising trying to comply with state bar rules. The laws that apply to other types of businesses help to protect against fraud and misleading claims. Some state bar rules go much farther placing restrictions on the use of spokespeople, testimonials, endorsements, use of verdicts and settlements. Some state bars even require specific wording in all of your law firm’s advertisements. Each state is different, and if your firm operates in more than one state you may find that your advertising must comply with multiple state bar advertising rules.
Many of these rules are dated and do not reflect the reality of how law firms advertise today or the sophistication of consumers. Unfortunately, we are stuck with rules that differ in each state, are constantly changing, and often are unclear in their wording. Some state bar rules can be cost prohibitive, requiring that even online advertising be reviewed, for a fee, before it can be launched.
Changes to Florida state bar rules made in January regarding attorney websites are the latest and most talked-about problem right now. Attorneys in Florida have until June to bring their websites into compliance.
Attorney advertising is not optional in today’s world. You cannot avoid these issues by choosing not to advertise or by simply shooting for what seem like the “least risky” advertising methods, which may or may not truly be in compliance and will certainly not be competitive. To keep your edge in advertising without violating the bar rules, you need to work with professionals whose job includes keeping up with the changing rules.
Because we work with advertising attorneys throughout the country, we are familiar with the legal advertising rules in each state. We also have the experience to tell you how to remain in compliance while still running an effective ad campaign that generates business for your law firm.
To find out more about how you can stay competitive while staying in compliance, please contact Network Affiliates today.
Many of these rules are dated and do not reflect the reality of how law firms advertise today or the sophistication of consumers. Unfortunately, we are stuck with rules that differ in each state, are constantly changing, and often are unclear in their wording. Some state bar rules can be cost prohibitive, requiring that even online advertising be reviewed, for a fee, before it can be launched.
Changes to Florida state bar rules made in January regarding attorney websites are the latest and most talked-about problem right now. Attorneys in Florida have until June to bring their websites into compliance.
Attorney advertising is not optional in today’s world. You cannot avoid these issues by choosing not to advertise or by simply shooting for what seem like the “least risky” advertising methods, which may or may not truly be in compliance and will certainly not be competitive. To keep your edge in advertising without violating the bar rules, you need to work with professionals whose job includes keeping up with the changing rules.
Because we work with advertising attorneys throughout the country, we are familiar with the legal advertising rules in each state. We also have the experience to tell you how to remain in compliance while still running an effective ad campaign that generates business for your law firm.
To find out more about how you can stay competitive while staying in compliance, please contact Network Affiliates today.
posted by
Dan Goldstein
at
6:02 AM
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