What kind of contact does Rule 7.3 restrict?

Rule 7.3 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct specifically addresses the limitations on lawyer advertising and solicitation, particularly emphasizing the restriction against solicitation of potential clients through in-person or live telephone contact. This rule is intended to protect potential clients from being overwhelmed or pressured by attorneys seeking business, particularly when the individuals may be vulnerable or in distress, such as during legal emergencies.

Cold outreach to potential clients refers to unsolicited communication directed at individuals who have not previously engaged with or requested legal services from the attorney. This form of contact is the focus of Rule 7.3, as it seeks to regulate how lawyers may approach individuals to offer their services, ensuring that such approaches are done ethically and with consideration of the individuals' circumstances.

The other options revolve around different contexts of interaction. For example, contact with current clients is not restricted under this rule; rather, it governs how attorneys may reach out to new potential clients. Networking with other lawyers is also not affected by this rule, as it pertains to professional relationships and does not involve solicitation of clients. Likewise, communication regarding legal fees generally falls outside the scope of Rule 7.3, as it relates more to transparency and disclosure of costs rather than solicitation practices. Therefore, the focus on cold outreach to