Formal Opinion 128.
(1965)
Announcement — Specialized Service

You requested an opinion as to the propriety of an attorney sending an announcement or letter to other attorneys, only, advising them of his intention to provide a specialized service to other lawyers in the field of appellate advocacy.

The Committee on Legal Ethics of the American Bar Association in its Opinion No. 145 held that a similar proposed announcement was in violation of Canon 27 and not within the exceptions set forth in Canon 46. It would appear that the American Bar Association has, however, changed its position since the 1963-1964 Supplement contains Informal Opinion No. C-454, which reads as follows:

"A lawyer may send to local lawyers only, and publish in his local legal journal an announcement of his availability to serve other lawyers in writing appellate court briefs."

We conclude, therefore, that the mailing of the announcement as proposed will be proper, provided that it contains no self-laudatory material and meets the requirements of Canon 46 as to its content.