Rule Library · New York
Attorney advertising rules in New York
What follows is what New York’s published rules require of a law firm’s own advertising, in the order it usually matters: the label, past results, what you may claim about specialization, testimonials, fee statements, and filing.
This is a reading of published rules, not legal advice. Your bar, and you, decide what may be published.
The rule areas
- Advertising labelCleared
- Advertisements (other than in newspapers, on TV, or other self-evidently-advertising media) must be labeled 'Attorney Advertising' on the first page, or on the home page in the case of a website; if the communication is a self-mailing brochure or postcard, the words 'Attorney Advertising' must appear therein.
- Prior resultsCleared
- A communication referencing prior results must be accompanied by the disclaimer 'Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.'
- Specialization claimsCleared
- Rule 7.4(c) permits a lawyer to state certification as a specialist only by an organization approved by the American Bar Association or, in New York, by the Chief Administrator of the
- Bar filingnot yet verified
- We have not read New York’s text on this rule area yet, so we will not cite a rule number for it. The bar’s own URL is in the margin.
- TestimonialsCleared
- Testimonials/endorsements are permitted if the advertisement discloses that the person is compensated, if applicable (Rule 7.1(c)(2)); if the endorsement/testimonial is from a current client with a matter still pending, informed written consent must be obtained (Rule 7.1(e)(4)); and the statement must be factually supportable, not false/misleading/deceptive.
- Fee statementsnot yet verified
- We have not read New York’s text on this rule area yet, so we will not cite a rule number for it. The bar’s own URL is in the margin.
What changed recently
NY has a pending proposed rule change (discussed by NYCLA) that would replace current Rule 7.1 with the simpler ABA Model Rule approach; as of this research the current, more detailed Rule 7.1 (with the 'Attorney Advertising' label and testimonial disclosure requirements) remains in force, but this area may change.
Check your firm’s site against New York’s rules.
We read your home page and up to 4 more, then name each place your copy is missing something these rules require.