Ethics Opinion 318

Ethics Opinion 318

12.18.1973

By Committee on Professional Ethics

NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION

Committee on Professional Ethics

Opinion #318 – 12/18/1973 (48-73)

Topic: Letterhead; use of the title “Honorary Consul” on attorney’s letterhead
Digest: Improper to use the title “Honorary Consul” on an attorney’s letterhead
Code:  DR 2-102(A)(4); EC 2-9; Canon 2

QUESTION

May an attorney who is an honorary consul for a foreign country properly indicate such fact on his letterhead?

OPINION

It is improper for an attorney to use the title “Honorary Consul” on the attorney’s letterhead. DR 2-102(A)(4); N.Y. State 200 (1971).The use of the title “Honorary Consul” on an attorney letterhead is regarded as calculated to attract clients in violation of the traditional prohibition against advertising and solicitation. See also, N.Y. State 164 (1970); N.Y. State 284 (1973); ABA 214 (1941); N.Y. County 605 (1972).