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ETHICS OPINION 504-1962 ADVERTISING
NUMBER 504
QUESTION.
Will you please advise whether an advertisement in the Law Journal and in the real estate section of the New York Times as indicated below violates the canons of ethics.
Newport, Florida
Newport Title Co., Inc.
Title Insurance, Mortgages, Escrows
X.Y.Z – Member of New York
Bar Pres.
ANSWER.
It is the opinion of the Committee that the proposed advertisement both in the Law Journal and in the real estate section of The New York Times is a violation of Canon 27, which deems as unprofessional the solicitation of professional employment by circulars, advertisements, and the like. Aside from utilizing the inquirer’s prestige as an attorney for purposes of his title insurance business, there would be no other reason for indicating that he is a member of the New York Bar.
This problem has been dealt with time and again in written opinions contained in Opinions on Professional Ethics (Cromwell Foundation), for example, Opinions No. 295 at page 157; 399 at page 211; 640 at page 367; and 114 at page 577. The first three opinions are by the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and the last opinion is by the New York County Lawyers’ Association.
Dated: June 25, 1962