§ Rule 4-7.6 Computer-Accessed Communications

Rule 4-7.6. Computer-Accessed Communications

    (a) Definition. For purposes of this subchapter, “computer-accessed communications” are defined as information regarding a lawyer's or law firm's services that is read, viewed, or heard directly through the use of a computer. Computer-accessed communications include, but are not limited to, Internet presences such as home pages or World Wide Web sites, unsolicited electronic mail communications, and information concerning a lawyer’s or law firm’s services that appears on World Wide Web search engine screens and elsewhere.

    (b) Internet Presence. All World Wide Web sites accessed via the Internet that are controlled or sponsored by a lawyer or law firm and that contain information concerning the lawyer's or law firm's services:

        (1) shall disclose all jurisdictions in which the lawyer or members of the law firm are licensed to practice law;

        (2) shall disclose 1 or more bona fide office locations of the lawyer or law firm, in accordance with subdivision (a)(2) of rule 4-7.2; and

        (3) are considered to be information provided upon request.

    (c) Electronic Mail Communications. A lawyer shall not send, or knowingly permit to be sent, on the lawyer's behalf or on behalf of the lawyer's firm or partner, an associate, or any other lawyer affiliated with the lawyer or the lawyer's firm, an unsolicited electronic mail communication directly or indirectly to a prospective client for the purpose of obtaining professional employment unless:

        (1) the requirements of subdivisions (b)(1), (b)(2)(A), (b)(2)(E), (b)(2)(F), (b)(2)(G), (b)(2)(I), and (b)(2)(J) of rule 4-7.4 are met;

        (2) the communication discloses 1 or more bona fide office locations of the lawyer or lawyers who will actually perform the services advertised, in accordance with subdivision (a)(2) of rule 4-7.2; and

        (3) the subject line of the communication states “legal advertisement.”

    (d) Advertisements. All computer-accessed communications concerning a lawyer's or law firm's services, other than those subject to subdivisions (b) and (c) of the rule are subject to the requirements of rule 4-7.2.