View the Opinion Index

Opinion 2

December 1946
18 Baylor L. Rev. 195 (1966)

SOLICITATION - ADVERTISING - PROFESSIONAL LISTINGS - NOTICE OF SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICE - LATIN-AMERICAN BUSINESS - BAR JOURNAL
An ad in the T.B.J. addressed to the members of the Bar, soliciting Latin-American business stating "References; the lawyers of Travis County" and setting out the ability to read and write Spanish and English equally well, plus other qualifications, is improper.

Canons 24, 39, 41, 42.

QUESTION
Whether the following ad in the Texas Bar Journal violates one or more of the Canons of Ethics, towit:

"TO MEMBERS OF THE BAR RE: LATIN-AMERICAN BUSINESS

Do you need a Spanish-speaking lawyer to travel to any Latin-American country for you or your client on a per case or per diem basis?

Qualifications:

1. I have practiced law in Austin for 8 years;
2. Have spent 18 years in Latin-American countries;
3. Was Special Assistant to the U.S. Ambassador in Chile from 1942 to 1945;
4. Speak, write and read Spanish and English equally well; and
5. Am familiar with the legal systems of Latin-American countries, their governments and their people.

References: The lawyers of Travis County."

OPINION
The foregoing ad, either violates or does not conform to, the requirements of Canons 24, 39, 41 and 42. (7-0)