NYSBA Ethics Opinion 42
1.18.1967
NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION Professional Ethics Committee OpinionOpinion #42 – 01/18/1967 (15-66)
advertisements, existing clients, mailing, matrimonial matters, service to lawyers
Topic: Advertising, Notice of Mexican Divorce Service
Digest: Lawyer’s announcement of specialty in Mexican divorces is improper even if mailed only to other attorneys
Canon: Former Canons 27, 42
QUESTION
A local Bar Association has asked the opinion of this Committee on the following question: Nay an attorney, without violating Canons 27 and 42 of the Canons of Professional Ethics, mail the following notice to attorneys only?
FOR ATTORNEYS ONLY Complete Mexican Divorce Service $225 Includes Separation Agreement If Required. Associated With Mexican Attorney All Particulars and Arrangements Handled. Rapid Service, Absolute Satisfaction. JOHN DOE Attorney at law 2 Anyone Street Doe, N.Y. (000) DOE-00000OPINION
The announcement is condemned as being in bad taste, crass commercialism and improper advertising.