3.130(7.15) Advertising of fees

If a lawyer advertises a set price for a routine legal service, like a simple will or an uncontested divorce, and someone hires the lawyer based on that ad, the lawyer has to actually charge that price. They can't quote one fee in an ad and then charge more once the client shows up.

The lawyer also has to be clear about what's included in that advertised price. If someone asks, either the client or the Kentucky Bar Commission, the lawyer must explain exactly what work is covered under "routine services" for that fee. This keeps lawyers from using vague language to lure in clients with a low price, then tacking on extra charges for things a normal person would assume were already part of the job.

Basically, this rule protects consumers from bait-and-switch pricing. If a lawyer says a service costs a certain amount, that's the price they're required to honor once they take the case.