VII Professional Publicity

1.In all Member countries of the Community lawyers are forbidden to seek personal publicity for themselves or to tout for business.This prohibition is designed for the protection of the public and of the high standing of the profession.The extent of the prohibition is not the same in every country.In some countries, it is laid down in national legislation which provides for a criminal penalty in case of breach.It is therefore possible that a lawyer from another country who engages in a prohibited form of publicity may mislead the public and run the risk of criminal proceedings.In general, there is nothing to prevent a lawyer using cards and writing paper in the form authorised by his own professional body.Beyond that, he would be wise to ask the professional organisation of the host country for guidance in advance.

2.In some countries, publicity which is designed to provide information for the public or for lawyers in other countries is permitted if it is approved by or under the auspices of the professional organisations.Lawyers from other countries may use such means of publicity insofar as the rules of their own Bar or Law Society permit them to do so.