Model Rule 7.5 addresses what element of firm advertising?

• A. Firm names and professional designations must be not misleading.
• B. Firm names must include the year of establishment.
• C. Professional designations may mislead if popular.
• D. Advertising is prohibited for small firms.

Answer: (A)

Model Rule 7.5 focuses on truthfulness in how a law firm presents itself in advertising, specifically the firm’s name and any professional designations used. The essential idea is that these elements must not mislead the public about who is in the firm, who is associated with it, or what credentials the firm actually possesses. If a firm name implies a partnership or affiliation that doesn’t exist, or if a designation suggests a credential or specialization the firm doesn’t hold, that would be misleading and thus improper advertising.

The other choices miss the point: there is no requirement to include the year of establishment in a firm’s name; the rule does not permit using popular designations to mislead—any misleading use is prohibited; and advertising is not outright prohibited for small firms—advertising is allowed so long as it remains truthful.