By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The Bar Association of New York is recommending that the state court system create a special panel that would monitor lawyer advertising on an ongoing basis.
Attorneys who advertise on television seeking clients who have suffered personal injuries are not necessarily doing anything wrong. But Bar Association President Vincent Buzard, a Rochester attorney, says he wants to make sure such ads aren't contributing to the lack of respect for the legal profession.
"We're involved in an attempt to improve public understanding and respect of the legal system," Buzard said. "That's very difficult to do when all you see and hear on television and radio are ads that reinforce the idea all you have to do is file a lawsuit and get paid. That's what we're trying to overcome."
Shortly after he took over as Bar president last June, Buzard created a task force to study the issue of lawyer advertising. Its members came back with a report that Buzard says has now been forwarded to court administrators for adoption.
"Our proposal is that the courts appoint a blue-ribbon group of lawyers who are above reproach to review ads on a random but systematic basis," Buzard said. "They would determine what ads should be pursued with formal complaints."
Attorneys found to be running inappropriate advertising would face discipline ranging from a letter of reprimand to disbarment. Buzard said another key recommendation would prohibit advertising directed to an accident victim or victim's family for 15 days after an accident.