An attorney letterhead is the professional heading used on legal correspondence, typically containing the lawyer’s name, firm name, address, phone number, email, and state bar number. It serves as the official identity of the attorney or law firm and is often required for court filings, client communications, and legal documents to establish authenticity and jurisdiction.
Why Attorney Letterhead Matters
Attorney letterhead is more than just a fancy header—it carries legal and ethical weight. In many jurisdictions, using letterhead that lists attorneys who are not actually with the firm, or that includes misleading information, can violate professional conduct rules. It also helps recipients verify that the communication comes from a licensed lawyer, which is especially important for documents like demand letters, settlement offers, or legal notices. A well-designed letterhead projects credibility and makes it easy for clients, courts, and opposing counsel to reach the right person quickly.
Essential Elements of an Attorney Letterhead
While state bar rules vary, most attorney letterheads include the following core components:
- Attorney name (and bar number, if required by state rules)
- Law firm name (if applicable)
- Mailing address (physical street address, not just a P.O. box, in many states)
- Phone number and fax (if used)
- Email address (professional, not personal)
- Website URL (optional but common)
- State(s) of licensure (often required to avoid misleading clients about where the attorney can practice)
Some firms also include a logo, but it’s not mandatory. The key is that the letterhead must be truthful and not imply a partnership or association that doesn’t exist.
How to Create an Attorney Letterhead
You can create an attorney letterhead in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, or use a professional design service. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
- Open a new document and set the top margin to about 0.5–1 inch.
- Type the attorney’s name in bold, followed by the firm name (if any) in a slightly smaller font.
- Add the address, phone, email, and website—either in a single line or stacked.
- Insert a horizontal line below the contact info to separate the letterhead from the body.
- Include the bar number if your state requires it (e.g., “Bar No. 123456”).
- Save the document as a template so you can reuse it for all correspondence.
For a more polished look, consider using a professional template from a legal stationery provider. Just make sure the design is clean and readable—avoid overly decorative fonts that can look unprofessional in a legal context.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One common mistake is listing multiple attorneys on a letterhead but not clearly indicating which one is responsible for the matter. Another is using a home address when the firm has a separate office—this can raise questions about the firm’s legitimacy. Also, some lawyers mistakenly omit their bar number, which is required in states like California and New York. On the flip side, including a bar number in a state where it’s not required is harmless but unnecessary. Always check your state’s rules of professional conduct for specific letterhead requirements.
Attorney Letterhead vs. Legal Pleading Paper
Attorney letterhead is different from legal pleading paper. Pleading paper has numbered lines and a specific format used for court filings, while letterhead is used for general correspondence. Some firms use letterhead for the first page of a pleading and then plain paper with a footer for subsequent pages. It’s important not to confuse the two—using letterhead for a court filing might be acceptable, but pleading paper is often required by local court rules.
Costs and Design Options
You can get attorney letterhead designed for free using online tools like Canva or with a word processor. Professional design services may charge anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on the complexity and whether you need a logo. Printing costs vary based on paper quality and quantity—high-quality cotton paper is common for law firms and costs more but conveys a premium feel. Digital letterhead (as a PDF or Word template) is essentially free if you design it yourself.
Template
Attorney Name
Bar No. [State Bar Number]
Law Firm Name (if any)
Street Address
City, State ZIP Code
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: attorney@example.com
Website: www.example.com
_________________________________________
Date: _________________________
Re: [Case Name or Subject]
Dear [Recipient]:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Attorney Name
Bar No. [State Bar Number]
Sample (fictional): Jane Doe, Esq.
Bar No. 987654 (New York)
Doe & Associates, PLLC
123 Main Street, Suite 400
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 555-0199 | jane.doe@doelaw.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an attorney letterhead required by law?
Not generally, but many courts and state bar rules require certain information (like the attorney’s name and bar number) on legal documents. For example, California Rule of Professional Conduct 7.1 prohibits false or misleading communications, and some courts require specific formatting. It’s best to check your local rules.
Can I use a P.O. box on my attorney letterhead?
Yes, but some states require a physical address for client communications. If you use only a P.O. box, you may need to include a physical address elsewhere, such as on the firm’s website or in the signature block.
Should I include my personal cell phone number?
It’s not recommended for professional letterhead. Use a business line or a dedicated cell phone that you answer professionally. You can always provide a personal number in a private email if needed.
What if I’m a solo practitioner? Do I need a firm name?
No, you can simply use your own name. For example, “Jane Doe, Attorney at Law” is perfectly acceptable. You can also use a trade name if you register it with your state.
Can I use a logo on my letterhead?
Yes, a logo is fine, but it should not be misleading. For instance, if the logo implies a larger firm, that could be a problem. Keep it simple and professional.
Is it okay to use letterhead for personal correspondence?
No, you should only use attorney letterhead for professional legal matters. Using it for personal letters could confuse the recipient and potentially violate ethical rules if it implies legal representation.
Final Thoughts
Your attorney letterhead is a key part of your professional image. Make sure it’s accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with your state’s rules. A clean, simple design will serve you well for years. If you’re unsure about specific requirements, consult your state bar association or a professional legal marketing consultant.