Letterhead Listing of "Corresponding" Attorney

 

Opinion rules that a law firm in North Carolina may not list on its letterhead a "corresponding" attorney in another location.

 

Inquiry:

 

May an attorney licensed in North Carolina show on his letterhead a "Corresponding French Lawyer" or other relationship with an attorney who is not associated in a partnership or professional association and is not of counsel to the firm?

 

Opinion:

 

No. Rule 2.3(c) prohibits a North Carolina law firm with offices only in North Carolina from listing a person not licensed in this state "as an attorney affiliated with the firm." A relationship such as a "corresponding attorney" is a form of association or affiliation or could be construed as such by the public. This opinion overrules CPR 347.