New Jersey Needs to Take a Harder Look at Who Appears in Lawyer Advertising

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Michael J. Epstein addresses transparency in New Jersey lawyer advertising in recent coverage examining how attorneys and law firms present the people who appear in their marketing. Epstein argues that as legal advertising becomes more sophisticated, consumers should be able to clearly understand who is a lawyer, who is licensed to practice in New Jersey, and who may actually be involved in their legal representation.

The coverage focuses on New Jersey RPC 7.1, which prohibits false or misleading communications about lawyers and their services. Epstein explains that even when individual statements in an advertisement are technically accurate, the overall presentation can potentially create a misleading impression. He distinguishes ordinary uses of stock photography from situations where actors, employees, or other individuals are presented in ways that could lead consumers to believe they are attorneys providing the advertised services.

Epstein calls on the New Jersey Committee on Attorney Advertising to consider clearer guidance on actors, stock imagery, non-lawyer employees, out-of-state attorneys, and meaningful disclosures. He also notes that artificial intelligence and synthetic media will make transparency increasingly important as legal advertising evolves.

Read the full coverage here.

The Epstein Law Firm continues its work addressing issues affecting New Jersey consumers and the legal profession.