Attorney and law firm advertising involves legal ethics standards and is regulated by the state bar associations in which the attorney is licensed, or in which the advertisements appear. The disclosures and required and prohibited advertising content varies from state to state, whether the advertisements appear on television, radio, social media, print, billboards, or another medium.
In Kansas, attorney and law firm advertising is governed by the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct under the Kansas Supreme Court Rules, specifically Rule 7.1 - 7.5, which address communications concerning a lawyer's services and advertising. These rules require that any communication about a lawyer or law firm's services must be truthful and not misleading. Attorneys must not make false or unsubstantiated comparisons of their services or fees with other attorneys' services or fees. The use of actors must be disclosed, and certain solicitations are restricted, particularly those that involve coercion, duress, or harassment. Lawyers are also prohibited from making statements that promise results. The Kansas Bar Association provides guidance and may review advertisements for compliance. Attorneys must also adhere to any applicable federal regulations, such as those from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding truth in advertising. It's important for attorneys to ensure that their advertisements, regardless of the medium, comply with these ethical standards to avoid disciplinary action.