You have no doubt seen signs like the one above, either inside a pet supply store or at a shopping center. The message is simple, yet effective. Though veterinarians do not have to adhere (to my knowledge) to advertising restrictions such as those imposed on lawyers in most states, there is no state in the U.S. that would disallow a similar announcement that “low cost legal assistance” or a “flat fee lawyer” will be at a particular place at a specific time.
You do not have to use terms like “unbundled” or “limited scope services” to meet communication rules. Keep it simple and not misleading and you will be both effective and ethical.
The ABA Model Rules require that communications relating to a lawyer’s services:
- are not false or misleading (by statements made or omitted) (Rule 7.1)
- include the lawyer’s name (Rule 7.2)
- are not communicated through inappropriate solicitation efforts (Rule 7.3)
You may recall my post last year about lawyers who set up temporary space in a Florida shopping mall to be near their target clients. So far this year, there appear to be more shoppers out. Even if you need to obtain an advertising review (such as in Texas), you should still have time to get the word out for the after-Christmas action.
Limited Scope Practice 