Opinion 403
Question Presented
The following question has been submitted to the Professional Ethics Committee:
Is it proper for an attorney, licensed to practice law in Texas, or a Texas law firm, to allow the attorney's or law firm's name to be included on the business card of a legal assistant (paralegal) employed by such attorney, or law firm?"
A legal assistant may have a business card with the firm name appearing on it, provided the status of the legal assistant is clearly disclosed. The business card is designed to identify the legal assistant and to state by whom the legal assistant is employed. The business card of a legal assistant shall be approved, in form and substance, by the lawyer-employer.
A lawyer who permits his or her name or the name of a law firm to appear on the business card of a legal assistant is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the card meets the same standards of dignity and accuracy as would be required for the lawyer's own card.
Bluebook Citation
Tex. Comm. On Professional Ethics, Op. 403 (1981)