Under Model Rule 7.1, what is required of truthful advertising for legal services?

• A. Advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and supported by evidence.
• B. Advertising may be deceptive if the client approves.
• C. Advertising is optional.
• D. Advertising must be exclusively funded by the law firm.

Answer: (A)

Under Model Rule 7.1, advertising about legal services must be truthful and not misleading, and the claims made in those advertisements must be capable of substantiation with evidence. This means statements should reflect facts that can be verified and should avoid exaggerations or guarantees about results. If a claim is made, there should be enough evidence to support it, and anything that could mislead a reasonable reader—such as implying a guaranteed outcome or using testimonials without proper substantiation—should be avoided.

The best answer captures this standard by stating that advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and supported by evidence. The other options conflict with MR 7.1 because deception cannot be justified by client approval, advertising is not simply optional, and there is no requirement that advertising be exclusively funded by the firm.