1. Attorney Websites Avoiding Ethical Issues Prof. Pamella Seay Half Moon Seminars Fort Myers, FL July 31, 2008

2. New Advertising Rules Effective date February 1, 2008 Dodged issues related to websites as “advertising” Rule 4-7.6 Computer-Accessed Communication Governs websites and email No changes.... Yet... Check the FL Bar websitewebsite

3. Advertising, generally Still subject to Rule 4-7.2 Rule 4-7.2 (b) (1) (A), “Permissible Content of Advertisements and Unsolicited Written Communication” Can include your website and email address Rule 4-7.5 specifically exempts websites from restrictions set forth in that rule

4. Rule 4-7.6 Computer-accessed communication, such as websites and email, are “considered to be information provided upon request.” Therefore, they are not considered to be a solicitation or in-person communication

5. Amended Rule 4-7.7 Retains exemption for Computer-Accessed Communication -- no evaluation required No need to submit for review

6. Rule 4-7.6 (b) Internet Presence All World Wide Web sites and home pages accessed via the Internet that are controlled or sponsored by a lawyer or law firm and that contain information concerning the lawyer’s or law firm’s services: Shall disclose all jurisdictions in which the lawyer or members of the law firm are licensed to practice law; Shall disclose 1 or more bona fide office locations of the lawyer or law firm, in accordance with subdivision (a)(2) of rule 4-7.2; and Are considered to be information provided upon request.

7. Considerations Required information specified in the Rule Office Location Jurisdictions Though not required, disclaimers Privacy policy Terms of Use Hiring an Attorney... Ease of Navigation within the site

8. OK, so what complies? Lewis, Longman, Walker www.llw-law.com Lewis, Longman, Walker Morgan & Morgan www.forthepeople.com Morgan & Morgan Musca Law www.muscalaw.com Musca Law Roetzel & Andress www.ralaw.com Roetzel & Andress Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell www.rumberger.com Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell www.rumberger.com Fink & Boyle www.finkboyle.com Fink & Boyle

9. Not as good... Privacy Policy www.hklaw.com Privacy Policy Terms of Use www.hklaw.com Terms of Use

10. Design and Content As important as what’s in your website is the manner in which it is presented Just the absolute basics www.kbogaslaw.com Just the absolute basics Simple, no frills, www.migblaw.com Simple, no frills, A little clutter www.bakernet.com A little clutter Challenging www.belllegalgroup.com Challenging Clean and easy www.gunster.com Clean and easy

11. Do it yourself Network Solutions www.networksolutions.comwww.networksolutions.com Go Daddy www.godaddy.comwww.godaddy.com PMSI www.pmsicom.netwww.pmsicom.net

12. Hire a professional Make sure you own the domain name Verify copyright on design Assure viability of server host Establish costs for maintenance Assure timely updates, daily if necessary Determine appropriate access to the site

13. Tidbits of Advice Clear design “Branding” User-friendly Accessible - search engines Market your site Keep it up-to-date, Accurate, Well-written Respond to inquiries promptly Seek feedback

14. Thank you! Pamella A.Seay Professor Florida Gulf Coast University pseay@fgcu.edu www.pamellaseay.com