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 Ohio, attorney and law firm advertising is governed by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 7.1 - 7.5, which address communications concerning a lawyer's services, advertising, and solicitation. 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 unverifiable claims about their services, imply qualifications or results that are not supported by fact, or compare their services with other attorneys' services unless the comparison can be factually substantiated. Specific disclosures may be required to clarify potential misunderstandings and to inform clients of their rights. For example, if an advertisement includes a paid endorsement, this must be disclosed. The use of actors must be disclosed if they create the impression that they are clients of the firm. Direct solicitation of clients is heavily regulated to prevent coercion, harassment, or undue influence. The Ohio Supreme Court has the authority to discipline attorneys who violate these advertising rules. It's important for attorneys to stay informed about the latest regulations as they can be subject to change and may vary depending on the medium of advertisement.