Ethics Hotline & Opinions

ETHICS DOCKET NO. 1988-61

"

MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, INC.

COMMITTEE ON ETHICS

ETHICS DOCKET NO. 1988-61

Advertising-Solicitation: Propriety of Using Automated Telephone System with Follow-Up Letter for Purposes of Advertising


Ethics Docket 85-17 discussed the propriety of computer generated telephone advertising for attorneys and a copy is enclosed herein.

Essentially it is the Committee's opinion that computer generated or voice-recorded communication is more akin to mail communication than in-person communication and, therefore, should be governed by Rules 7.1 and 7.2 and prior ethics opinions on direct mail solicitation. Rule 7.3 is inapplicable as it deals with in person contact by an attorney with a prospective client.

Thank you for consulting the Committee on Ethics. We trust that the foregoing has been responsive to your inquiry.

 

This opinion, 88-61 makes references to opinion 85-17.
Other References: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3


"
DISCLAIMER: Opinions of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) Ethics Committee are an uncompensated service of the MSBA. This Committee’s opinions are not binding on the Maryland Court of Appeals, Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission, MSBA or this Committee. The reader is advised that subsequent judicial opinions, revisions to the rules of professional conduct, and future opinions of this Committee may render the Opinions stated herein outdated. As such, the Committee’s opinions are advisory only and neither the Committee nor the MSBA assumes any liability whatsoever with respect thereto. Accordingly, reliance upon the opinions of this Committee is solely at the risk of the user.