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 Mississippi, attorney and law firm advertising is governed by the Mississippi Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 7.1 - 7.5, which address communications concerning a lawyer's services, advertising, and solicitation. These rules are enforced by the Mississippi Bar Association. Attorneys must ensure that their advertisements are not false or misleading, do not create unjustified expectations, and do not compare their services with other lawyers' services unless the comparison can be factually substantiated. Disclosures may be required to clarify the context of the advertisement and to avoid any potential deception. For instance, if an advertisement includes a dramatization, it must be disclosed as such. The use of testimonials or endorsements is permitted, but they must be accompanied by disclaimers if they are not representative of all clients' experiences. Prohibited content includes statements that could be interpreted as a guarantee or prediction of a case outcome. The rules apply to all forms of advertising, including online and electronic media. Attorneys licensed in Mississippi must comply with these regulations regardless of where the advertisement appears, and those not licensed in the state must adhere to these rules when advertising to Mississippi residents.