On June 27, 1977, the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark opinion in the case of Bates vs. State Bar of Arizona. The case essentially legalized advertising by lawyers. Until that date, lawyer advertising was strictly verboten. Advertising of any kind – could result in sanctions. Television advertising began in the mid-1980’s when local bar associations began dropping the ethical guidelines that regulated self-promotion.

That said, “solicitation” of clients remains taboo under Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association. It is not appropriate if the objective is “pecuniary gain.”

Today – the law firms of Huckster & Finagle as well as Sue, Grabbit & Runne compete for business on television and radio. They promise money money money. The lawyers who advertise are the ones who want to file lawsuits. And urge taking legal action against someone. Plaintiff lawyers. You rarely see defense lawyers offering to help. Never a corporate lawyer offering to represent a business.

As a lawyer (now retired), I am disappointed by the undignified and unprofessional commercials that we see today. There have been articles on the subject of lawyer advertising/solicitation. There may be a few “good” reasons for allowing it but for the most part the results are “bad” and “ugly.” Guess who gets sued? Doctors. Drug companies. Businesses. Truckers. Saturday Night Live had a great depiction of lawyers who advertise. Check out https://youtu.be/Jzl7K8xIFQ4?si=Fb_RpGcDapoEO7fe What do you think?