Planet Money What's up with all the ads for law firms?
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Oct 4, 2024 The world of lawyer advertising is a spectacle, from dirt bike stunts to quirky antics designed to grab your attention. Once banned, legal marketing transformed dramatically in the 1970s, allowing creative freedom that didn't exist fifty years ago. The journey from strict advertising rules to today's bold ads mirrors a struggle for consumer rights. Hear about legal battles, including a pivotal Supreme Court case that reshaped the notion of commercial speech and set the stage for lawyers to market themselves freely.
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Origins of Lawyer Advertising
- Bates and Osteen, a new Arizona law firm, wanted to offer low-cost legal services.
- They struggled to attract clients due to a ban on lawyer advertising.
Challenging the Ban
- The ban on lawyer advertising was challenged by Bates and Osteen via a newspaper ad.
- This challenge escalated to the Supreme Court.
First Amendment Argument for Advertisements
- Alan Morrison, a consumer rights lawyer, argued that advertising is protected under the First Amendment.
- He focused on consumers' right to access information, challenging existing precedent.