Which ethical guideline applies to truthful advertising and prohibitions on guaranteeing outcomes?

• A. Model Rule 7.1 (truthfulness in advertising)
• B. Model Rule 1.2 (agreements with clients)
• C. Model Rule 3.3 (candor to tribunal)
• D. Model Rule 4.1 (truthfulness in statements)

Answer: (A)

Truthful advertising and prohibitions on guaranteeing outcomes fall under Model Rule 7.1, which governs truthfulness in communications about a lawyer’s services. This rule bans false or misleading statements in advertisements and other public materials, including any guarantees or promises about results. The goal is to prevent deception and ensure the public can rely on accurate information when choosing legal representation.

Other rules address different duties: Model Rule 1.2 relates to the scope of representation and client agreements; Model Rule 3.3 deals with candor to the tribunal; Model Rule 4.1 concerns truthfulness in statements to others in the course of representing a client. While 4.1 touches on truthfulness generally, 7.1 specifically targets advertising and claims about services and outcomes.