Policy Regarding Use of ABC Logo

Purpose: ABC, as a matter of policy, wants to enhance the visibility of the organization and ABC certified attorneys to the public. Allowing ABC certified attorneys to utilize the ABC logo according to ABC policy will provide certified attorneys with an additional benefit to their certification, and will promote recognition of ABC certification among attorneys and the consumers of legal services.

Terms of Use

Use of the ABC logo is restricted to ABC certified attorneys only. The ABC certified attorney is responsible for the manner in which the logo is used in association with his or her name. Consistent with ABC Rule 7.1 (reproduced below), the ABC logo can be used only when accompanied by the appropriate disclosure of certification under that rule.

ABC certification is an attribute of the certified attorney and not of his or her law firm. When using the ABC logo, it must be clear to a reasonable person that the certification applies to an individual attorney and the identity of that attorney must be clearly specified. The ABC logo may not be disclosed in any manner that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a firm or other organization is certified by ABC.

ABC certified attorneys may not use the ABC logo in a manner that would violate applicable ethical rules of the state or locality having jurisdiction over the attorneys. It is the responsibility of the ABC certified attorney to determine the nature and scope of such ethical restrictions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Subject to the requirements of this policy and the restrictions under applicable ethical rules, ABC certified attorneys may display the ABC logo in any communication. Appropriate uses would include the use of the logo in newspaper advertisements, yellow page listings, letterhead, business cards, pamphlets, brochures, television advertisements, and Internet displays.

ABC does not presently charge a licensing fee for use of the ABC logo. However, ABC reserves the right to change the terms of this policy at any time. In addition, ABC reserves the right to withdraw the right to use the ABC logo at any time and for any reason.

Attorneys are permitted to use the ABC logo only in accordance with ABC policy and only so long as they remain certified by ABC. Attorneys must cease use of the logo within 30 days of the date of the notice instructing the attorney to no longer hold himself/herself out as an ABC certified specialist or a notice otherwise withdrawing the right to use the ABC logo. After the 30-day period, the attorney may not use any printed material, Internet display, or other communication containing the ABC logo. Advertisements placed prior to receipt of the notice need not be withdrawn, but no such advertisement may be renewed after receipt of the notice. (E.g. An attorney who ceases to be certified need not take any action with respect to a yellow page advertisement that contains the ABC logo and that was placed prior to receipt of the notice. However, the ABC logo must be removed from the advertisement if it is renewed.) The attorney is responsible for any costs associated with ceasing use of the ABC logo.

In order to preserve the accuracy of the ABC logo and the quality of its presentation, only a logo slick or electronic version provided by ABC may be used for reproduction purposes. The logo may be enlarged or reduced in size, but any other alteration of the logo is strictly prohibited. ABC may charge a fee to be set by the Executive Director for providing a logo slick or electronic version of the ABC logo.

Language Associated with Logo Use

Language used in association with the logo should be in compliance with ABC Rule 7.1 below:

7.1. Written Disclosure

Except as restricted by applicable law, an attorney holding a current certificate from The American Board of Certification shall use the following language to disclose his/her certification in written communications:

  1. for Consumer Bankruptcy law certificate holders, "Board Certified - Consumer Bankruptcy Law - The American Board of Certification;"
  2. for Business Bankruptcy law certificate holders, "Board Certified - Business Bankruptcy Law - The American Board of Certification" and;
  3. for Creditors' Rights law certificate holders, "Board Certified - Creditors' Rights Law - The American Board of Certification."