Publisher Bill White’s letter to NJ attorneys regarding Opinion 39 decision

December 19, 2008

As you may have already heard, on the 17th the New Jersey Supreme Court vacated Opinion 39, the 2006 ruling of the Committee on Attorney Advertising which sought to prohibit lawyers from advertising in Super Lawyers and participating in the Super Lawyers selection process. In overturning Opinion 39, the Court found shortcomings in the advertising rules themselves and referred the matter to three committees to review and modify RPC 7.1(a)(2) and (3) because of “constitutional concerns” and “in light of emerging trends in attorney advertising.” This is a ruling well worth a read.

The Court’s ruling is a significant victory for consumers looking for valuable information about lawyers, for attorneys wanting to exercise their right to commercial free speech and for the First Amendment and the press’ right to publish editorial opinion regarding lawyers.

We’ve made no secret of our belief that Opinion 39 was misguided in conception and poorly executed; as a result, we’re truly delighted that Court has vindicated our positions. Yesterday’s ruling confirms that lawyers have a constitutional right to truthfully advertise bona fide honor and awards and that publications such as Super Lawyers can – and should – be a much-needed resource to both consumers and attorneys.

Even a cursory read of the opinion makes it clear that the Court found the Special Master’s report, issued in July, to be very persuasive. In that report, Judge Fall lauded our selection process, stating,

Similarly, Judge Fall noted with favor our system of checks and balances, our database and system safeguards and the various steps we take in assessing the qualifications and good standing of the lawyers on our list.

We’re also pleased that the Court explicitly cleared away any ambiguity regarding the appropriateness of participating in the Super Lawyers process and of promoting an attorney’s inclusion in our publication.

Going forward, we hope to be a resource to the New Jersey Advisory Committee on Attorney Advertising, the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics and the Professional Responsibility Rules Committee to which this issue has been remanded for reconsideration.

Throughout this two-year odyssey, we have been sustained and encouraged by the support we have received from the ranks of New Jersey attorneys and others. On both a personal and a professional level, I appreciate your notes and calls and thank you for each of them.

My best wishes to you for joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year.

William C. White
Publisher
Law & Politics
"Only our name is boring."
Super Lawyers