Ethics Opinion 166

Ethics Opinion 166

11.6.1970

By Committee on Professional Ethics

NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION

Professional Ethics Committee Opinion

Opinion #166 – 11/06/1970 (43-70)

Topic: Advertising; Office Signs
Digest: A dignified certificate stating attorney is approved agent of Title Company may not be displayed in office
Code: DR 2-101 and DR 2-102

QUESTION

May an attorney display a certificate in his office certifying that he is an approved attorney or agent of a title insurance company?

OPINION

Display of a certificate, certifying an attorney as approved or as an agent of a title company or any other commercial organization would be improper even though the certificate appears in the lawyer’s office only. ABA Inf. 716 (1963); ABA 304 (1962). Such certificates appear to be endorsements and their display is improper self laudation and undignified. They are distinguishable from certificates of honor or from certificates of membership in bar associations and similar organizations.