N.Y.Ethics opinion
New York State Bar says virtual office may serve as lawyer's address for communications
The New York State Bar Association's Committee on Professional Ethics said on 3 September 2026 that a New York lawyer may list a virtual law office as the office address on websites, advertisements, letterhead and business cards. The committee said listing is not false if the arrangement ensures receipt of mail and service and availability for in-person meetings on reasonable notice.
Opinion (New York State Bar Association) →
Key points
- Opinion interprets amended Rule 7.1 effective 1 June 2026, now titled Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services.New York State Bar Association
- Rule 7.1(d) requires name and contact information; Comment 10 says address or phone satisfies rule.New York State Bar Association
- Committee said VLO address satisfies contact-information requirement if it receives mail and service.New York State Bar Association
- Listing VLO not false under Rule 7.1(a) if lawyer available for in-person meetings on reasonable notice.New York State Bar Association
- Opinion does not address court-rule registration under 22 NYCRR 118.1, which is outside committee jurisdiction.New York State Bar Association
- Opinion revisits prior N.Y. State 964 (2013) and 1025 (2014) after deletion of Rule 1.0(a) and Rule 7.1(h).New York State Bar Association
Sources2 articles across 1 outlet
New York State Bar Association