Can a law firm pay another law firm for referrals?

By Jeff Zigman, TRUEclaims · Updated

The short answer

Generally not. Under the ABA Model Rules, lawyers generally can't give anything of value for a recommendation, though Rule 7.2 allows non-exclusive reciprocal referral arrangements where the client is told about them. Rules vary by state, so check your state bar. The True Claims referral agreement has no fee sharing.

Fee division between lawyers in different firms is a separate question, governed by rules like ABA Model Rule 1.5(e) and each state's version of it.

In the True Claims referral program, the partner firm isn't paid. What it gets is every injury case the receiving firm comes across, sent right back, and help for callers it would otherwise turn away.

This is general information, not legal advice. Review your state's rules on referrals, fee agreements and advertising before setting up any referral arrangement.

Take the property-damage-only calls nearby firms turn away

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General information, not legal advice. Figures are past True Claims results or illustrative, as labelled. TRUEclaims is not a law firm.