State examples
North Carolina writes the point into the rule. Rule 7.1 lists, as a misleading communication, a statement likely to create an unjustified expectation about results the lawyer can achieve, and its comment [3] matches the ABA comment on past results.
Florida is more specific. The Florida Bar's advertising handbook explains that under Rule 4-7.13(b)(2), information about past results must be factually verifiable and may not omit facts that would make the results misleading. The Florida guide covers the state's filing program and other rules.
New York changed its rules recently. A joint order of the Appellate Divisions replaced New York's Rule 7.1 effective June 1, 2026, so check the current text before relying on older New York guidance. The New York guide has the details for that state.
Why placement matters in AI answers
An AI answer may quote a single results line and drop the disclaimer printed at the foot of the page. Keep the qualifying language in the same sentence or paragraph as the result, state the type of matter, and avoid totals that invite a reader to expect a similar figure. Results that come from a client's own words carry their own rules; see our answer on client testimonials. Results pages matter most in practices such as personal injury, where readers compare outcomes.
Go deeper
The AI search guide links each state's rules so you can check the jurisdictions your firm serves.
Keep reading
Sources
- ABA Model Rules 7.1 to 7.3 and comments as amended August 2018 (clean text in the ABA report, copy hosted by the Connecticut Bar Association)
- North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.1
- The Florida Bar, Handbook on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation (2025 edition)
- New York Appellate Divisions, Joint Order amending 22 NYCRR Part 1200 on attorney advertising (effective June 1, 2026)