RULE 4-7.3 ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC PRINT MEDIA
(a) Generally. Advertisements disseminated in the public print media are subject to the requirements of rule 4-7.2.
(b) Disclosure Statement. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, all advertisements other than lawyer referral service advertisements shall contain the following disclosure: "The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience." Lawyer referral service advertisements shall contain the following disclosure: "The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision. Before you decide to hire the lawyer to whom you are referred, ask that lawyer for written information about that lawyer's qualifications and experience." Outdoor advertisements may contain, in lieu of the above disclosure, the following abbreviated version: "Before choosing a lawyer, ask for written information about the lawyer's legal qualifications and experience." Disclosure statements must appear in type that is clearly legible and is no smaller than one-fourth of the size of the largest type otherwise appearing in the advertisement. These disclosures, however, need not appear in advertisements in the public print media that contain no illustrations and no information other than that listed in subdivision (c)(10) of rule 4-7.2, or written communications sent in compliance with rule 4-7.4.
Comment
The disclosure required by this rule is designed to encourage the informed selection of a lawyer. A prospective client is entitled to know the experience and qualifications of any lawyer seeking to represent the prospective client. The required disclosure would be ineffective if it appeared in an advertisement so briefly or minutely as to be overlooked or ignored. Thus the type size to be used for the disclosure is specified to ensure that the disclosure will be conspicuous.