Traditionally, Rule 7.5 of the Rules of Professional Conduct strictly prohibited the use of trade names by law firms in New York. Some thought the use of trade names for lawyers was “beneath” the professional dignity of attorneys and could be misleading to clients. Others  thought that, by including a trade name, lawyers could market their services better and more efficiently, which would benefit clients by readily providing them with a quick and easy sound-bite of the law firm’s practice. In addition, those lawyers in favor of using trade names for their firms saw their use as a way of potentially increasing their firm’s business.

On June 24, 2020, New York Rule of Professional Conduct 7.5, entitled “Professional Notices, Letterheads, and Names,” was amended to permit the use of a trade name in a law firm name.  This amendment should assist law firms in creating a brand to assist them in marketing their services.