The Florida Bar

Ethics Opinion

Opinion 73-11

FLORIDA BAR ETHICS OPINION
OPINION 73-11
July 24, 1973
Advisory ethics opinions are not binding.
A lawyer may use his office letterhead in writing to other lawyers in his community to
solicit contributions for a reputable charity.
Canon:
Opinion:

27, former Canons of Professional Ethics [See current 4-7.18]
61-38 (as supplemented)

Chairman Zehmer stated the opinion of the committee:
This inquiry poses the following general question:
May a lawyer, as a volunteer participating in a fund-raising campaign for a reputable and
established charitable organization, use his law office letterhead in writing to other lawyers in his
community to solicit contributions from them when the letter is not intended to and does not
publicize the lawyer or his professional skill and experience?
Under former Canon 27, this Committee held that such practice was not unethical. See
Opinion 61-38 (as supplemented) [since withdrawn]. There is no provision in the new Code of
Professional Responsibility which changes this view. Thus, the question is answered in the
affirmative.