Opinion 78-13
FLORIDA BAR ETHICS OPINION
OPINION 78-13
November 25, 1980
Advisory ethics opinions are not binding.
It is acceptable for a lawyer whose offices are in a bank building to have his name and
designation as an attorney-at-law, along with his suite number, out on the bank’s sign outside of
the bank and near the street.
Note: Lawyer advertising rules are now in Rules Regulating The Florida Bar 4-7.11
through 4-7.22.
CPR:
Opinions:
Cases:
DR 2-101, DR 2-102
59-14, 65-68, 66-71, 66-70, 77-21
The Florida Bar, Re: Amendment to the Florida Bar Code of Professional
Responsibility (Advertising), 380 So.2d 435 (Fla. 1980).
Mr. Livingston stated the opinion of the committee:
An attorney inquires whether it is acceptable for a lawyer whose offices are in a bank
building to have his name and designation as an attorney-at-law, along with his suite number, out
on the bank’s sign outside of the bank and near the street.
Based on the authorization of, but also subject to the restrictions of, the recent
modifications to the Code of Professional Responsibility (new Disciplinary Rules 2-101 and
2-102 and the new accompanying Ethical Considerations, as promulgated in The Florida Bar,
Re: Amendment to The Florida Bar Code of Professional Responsibility (Advertising), 380 So.2d
435 (Fla. 1980)), this Committee answers the question in the affirmative.
The new amendments may modify the analysis given in a long series of prior opinions on
signs. Outside signs, however, have been authorized for a good while, possibly forever. See, e.g.,
Opinions 59-14, 65-68, 66-71, 66-70 and 77-21 [all since withdrawn].