Can a lawyer use the Vietnamese word 'chuyên' in advertising, given its meaning as a claim of specialization?
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This page answers the general question as of 1997. Ezel answers yours: whether it's allowed on your facts, under the current rules of professional conduct in your state, with citations.
Plain-English summary
The inquiry concerned the use of the Vietnamese word "chuyên" in lawyer advertising. The committee reviewed the inquiry and was of the opinion that use of the word in lawyer advertising is a violation of RPC 7.4. The committee stated that its conclusion was based upon a language expert's interpretation of the word received by the committee.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1997, before the Washington State Bar Association's adoption of the 2006 revisions to the Rules of Professional Conduct. Subsequent rule amendments or later opinions may have changed the analysis. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance. Verify against current rules before relying on any specific rule, deadline, or requirement mentioned here. Washington's cited rule corresponds to ABA Model Rule 7.4 (communication of fields of practice and specialization).
Common questions
Q: Can a lawyer use the Vietnamese word 'chuyên' in an advertisement?
A: The committee concluded that doing so is a violation of RPC 7.4.
Q: What did the committee base its conclusion on?
A: A language expert's interpretation of the word, which the committee received and relied upon.
Background and rules framework
The opinion applied RPC 7.4, corresponding to ABA Model Rule 7.4, which governs a lawyer's communication of fields of practice and any claim of specialization. The committee relied on a language expert's interpretation of the Vietnamese word "chuyên" to conclude that its use in lawyer advertising violates the rule.
Citations and references
Rules of Professional Conduct:
- ABA Model Rule 7.4 (communication of fields of practice and specialization); Washington RPC 7.4
See also
- WA Ethics Op. 1787: Misleading Comparison to Another Lawyer
- WA Ethics Op. 1780: Family Law Seminar Advertising
Source
- Landing page: https://ao.wsba.org/print.aspx?ID=852
Original opinion text
Reproduced from the official source for research purposes. The linked source is authoritative.
Advisory Opinion: 1788
Year Issued: 1997
RPC(s): RPC 7.4
Subject: Advertising; specialist; use of Vietnamese word "chuyên"
The Committee has reviewed your inquiry and is of the opinion that use of the Vietnamese word "chuyên" in lawyer advertising is a violation of RPC 7.4. This opinion is based upon a language expert’s interpretation of the word received by the Committee.
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