Match List – I with List – II.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV

The correct answer is Option (2) → A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV

The right of advocates to advertise their services or solicit clients has been a controversial issue in the field of legal ethics and professionalism. In India advertising by lawyers has been strictly restricted by the Bar Council of India. An advocate is prohibited from promoting himself through circulars, advertisements, touts, personal communications, interviews other than through personal relations, furnishing or inspiring newspaper comments or producing his photographs to be published in connection with cases in which he has been engaged or concerned. An amendment to this rule allows advocates to furnish certain information on their websites after intimating and taking approval from the Bar Council of India. However, only 5 pieces of information can be put up on the internet, i.e., (i) the name of the advocate or the firm, (ii) the contact details, (iii) details of enrolment with the Bar, (iv) his professional and academic qualification and (v) the areas of practice.

However, different countries across the world allow advertising by lawyers to varying degrees. 

The position in the USA is different from that in India. Lawyers in the US can provide information about class actions, can approach clients by handing out business cards and can advertise on internet forums. For class actions, solicitation through referrals is permissible, newspaper and magazine ads and even mass emails are permitted as long as they are not misleading, and no financial incentive is promised. Personal injury ads are commonplace in the USA. Often known as 'ambulance chasers', these personal injury lawyers are robust in their advertising- on billboards, newspapers, flyers, and even distasteful ads on the television.

Countries like USA, UK and France are more flexible with granting permission for legal ads whereas Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia are moving towards progressive relaxation. In Malaysia, for example, the Legal Profession (Publicity Rules), 2001, is a simple, comprehensive code that regulates ads in legal and non- legal directories, controls publication of journals, magazines, brochures and newsletters and interviews in the media, bars publicity through clients and even regulates greeting cards. In Hong Kong, lawyers are forbidden to advertise on television, radio and in the cinemas but are permitted to advertise in print media.