CI-1176

July 11, 1988

SYLLABUS

A lawyer who has earned a Juris Doctor degree may use the title of "Doctor" provided its use is not "fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive" to members of the public, clients, or prospective clients.

References: MCPR DR 2-102(A), DR 2-102(F); CI-1012; Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1978-4.

TEXT

A lawyer who holds the academic degree "Juris Doctor" asks whether it is ethical to communicate to the public as "Doctor".

MCPR DR 2-102(F) allows a lawyer to use the title of earned degrees indicating training in law. As interpreted in CI-1012, a lawyer may use the designation "J.D." after the name of the individual who has earned the degree. ABA i1151 interpretted the ABA Model Code of Professional Responsibility as allowing a lawyer holding a Juris Doctor degree to use the title of "Doctor." This committee concurs.

It would be improper for a lawyer to use the title of "Doctor" to clients, prospective clients and members of the public in such a fashion as would be likely to be deceptive or misleading to them. A lawyer wishing to use the title "Doctor" must be very cautious not to use the title in such a way as is Supreme Court Administrative Order 1978-4 provides that:

"A lawyer may . . . associate . . . affiliate with . . . or participate in the use of any form of public communication that is not false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive."