Authored By: Candace Whitman
According to an article from LexBlog, the Texas Supreme Court made the first revisions in over a decade to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. The order to approve and adopt the amendments was signed on May 25th and went into effect on July 1st.
LexBlog states the changes were made “to modernize the ethics rules for the digital age, as well as reduce burdens related to law firm websites, use of social media, pro bono programs and communications with experienced business clients.”
The most significant revision was made to Rule 7.01(c) to allow law firms in Texas to use trade names that do not misrepresent or falsely advertise their firm.
Another notable change includes Texas law firms now being allowed to pay for “ordinary social hospitality of nominal value”, like meals and entertainment, for their clients and referral sources.
Some rules remained the same, such as the requirement that law firms must “file their website homepages with the State Bar of Texas Advertising Review Committee unless they are otherwise exempt…”
To read more about the amendments made to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure click here to read the LexBlog article or click here to view the full rules on the State Bar of Texas Website.
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