The ABA says: "Websites have become a common means by which lawyers communicate with the public. Lawyers must not include misleading information on websites, must be mindful of the expectations created by the website, and must carefully manage inquiries invited through the website. Websites that invite inquiries may create a prospective client-lawyer relationship under Rule 1.18. Lawyers who respond to website-initiated inquiries about legal services should consider the possibility that Rule 1.18 may apply."
The American Bar Association has issued an ethics opinion about how lawyers communicate with potential clients through emails generated by the law firm's website.Disclaimers about use of the website should be easy to understand and not misleading.
In addition, lawyers have an obligation to periodically review the content of their websites to ensure that the information provided is current. Disclaimers explaining that the use of the website does not creating an attorney / client relationship and cautioning the user not to reveal confidential information in the absence of an established attorney / client relationship are also matters that lawyers should use judiciously in order to avoid violating ABA Ethics Rule 1.18.
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