Lawyer Sues to Block Ethics Inquiry Over Promise in TV Ad
South Carolina lawyer Joel Bieber, who runs television ads asking viewers to “leave it to Bieber,” is suing to block an ethics inquiry into a promise he made in a workplace rights TV commercial.
The inquiry concerns whether Bieber’s promise to “work to protect your job” creates unjustified expectations, the Greenville News reports. Bieber refused a request by the South Carolina Commission on Lawyer Conduct that he agree to a public reprimand for running the ad. He filed suit in division federal court.
The lawsuit claims the ad is not false or misleading, and the commission’s actions violate Bieber’s right to free speech, the story says.
“It’s not your fault that you were hurt on the job,” the ad reportedly says. “But I know you’re afraid to file a job injury claim. You’re afraid your boss won’t believe you’re really hurt or worse, that you’ll be fired. We’ll protect you against these threats and these accusations and work to protect your job.”
