Michigan follows the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct with no mandatory advertising filing or pre-review requirement. Attorneys may advertise freely provided communications comply with content standards prohibiting false/misleading statements and creating unjustified expectations about results. This makes Michigan a standard ABA-model state, more permissive than filing-required states like Florida and Texas.
False or misleading communications
MRPC 7.1A lawyer's communications with the public shall not be false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive, including material misrepresentations of fact or law; a lawyer may not create an unjustified expectation about the results they can achieve or make unsubstantiated comparisons of the lawyer's services.
Advertising — required identification & record-keeping
MRPC 7.2(b), (d)Every advertisement must identify the name and contact information of at least one lawyer responsible for the content (may appear on the firm's website homepage if space-limited); a copy of each advertisement must be kept for two years after its last dissemination with a record of when and where it was used.
Solicitation — prohibited direct contact methods
MRPC 7.3A lawyer may not solicit legal business by in-person contact, live telephone communication, or real-time electronic means when the lawyer has not previously represented the prospective client or family member; direct mail, email to specific addressees, and unsolicited posted information are permitted.
Specialization & board certification claims
MRPC 7.4A lawyer may communicate fields of practice or specialization only if permitted by law; advertising board certification (e.g., from the American Bankruptcy Board of Certification) is permitted, but generic 'specialist' claims without recognized certification must avoid creating unjustified expectations.
Trade names & firm identification
MRPC 7.5(a), (d)A lawyer may use a trade name only if it complies with MRPC 7.1 and does not imply government connection, affiliation with a government agency, or entities that do not exist; advertisements under trade names must include the responsible lawyer's name and contact information per MRPC 7.2(d).
Testimonials & client endorsements
MRPC 7.1 (Comment) & MRPC 7.2(c)Client endorsements are prohibited under MRPC 7.1 as they may create unjustified expectations; a lawyer may not give anything of value to a person for recommending the lawyer's services (MRPC 7.2(c) prohibition on compensation for referrals extends to endorsements).