85R8791 DMS-D
By: Shaheen H.B. No. 1951
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to firm names used by licensed attorneys.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 81, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 81.116 to read as follows:
Sec. 81.116. FIRM NAMES. (a) An attorney may not use a firm
name, letterhead, or other professional designation that is false,
misleading, or deceptive.
(b) An attorney may practice under a trade name that:
(1) does not imply a connection with a government
agency or with a public or charitable legal services organization;
(2) does not imply the firm is something other than a
private law firm; and
(3) is not false, misleading, or deceptive.
(c) The supreme court may not adopt rules that conflict with
this section.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Texas Supreme Court shall modify its rules as
necessary to comply with Section 81.116, Government Code, as added
by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.