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 Rhode Island, attorney and law firm advertising is governed by the Rhode Island Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 7.1 to Rule 7.5, which address communications concerning a lawyer's services, advertising, and solicitation. These rules mandate that any advertising must be truthful and not misleading, and they prohibit false or deceptive statements about the lawyer or the lawyer's services. Attorneys must also refrain from making unsubstantiated comparisons of their services or fees with those of other lawyers, unless they can be factually substantiated. The use of testimonials or endorsements is allowed, but they must be accompanied by disclaimers if they are not representative of all clients' experiences. Additionally, any communication must include the name and office address of at least one lawyer or law firm responsible for its content. Solicitation, or targeted communication to a specific individual who has not sought the lawyer's advice, is subject to additional restrictions, particularly if it involves coercion, harassment, or duress. The Rhode Island Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on the interpretation of these rules, and the Rhode Island Bar Association offers guidance and resources to ensure that attorneys comply with ethical advertising standards.