New Bar panel to review attorney advertising rules: applications now being accepted.

Bar President-elect Kelly Overstreet Johnson is now seeking members who want to serve on a special committee to study the Bar's lawyer advertising regulations.

Johnson said the Advertising Task Force 2004 will be charged with reviewing the attorney advertising rules and recommending changes if deemed necessary, including any to clarify the meaning of the rules and provide notice to Florida Bar members of the rules' requirements. Included within this charge is an analysis of the advertising filing and review requirements, including consideration of mandatory review prior to dissemination of advertisements.

Johnson said many lawyers still dislike or oppose lawyer advertising, believing it's the largest cause of public discontent with the profession. But the U.S. Supreme Court has said advertising cannot be banned, and she wants to make sure the Bar's rules are as consistent and simple as possible--and enforced.

"I'm looking for a broad cross section of the membership to serve on this committee," Johnson said. "I...