Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: duty-free
Fee-sharing is when two or more lawyers split the money they get paid for working on a case together. Sometimes, one lawyer refers a case to another lawyer and they split the fee. However, some states think this is not okay. Lawyers are not allowed to split fees with people who are not lawyers.
Fee-sharing refers to the division of attorney's fees between two or more lawyers. This can happen in two ways:
It is important to note that some states consider fee-splitting unethical, and attorneys are prohibited from splitting fees with non-lawyers.
Example 1: Attorney A refers a personal injury case to Attorney B. Attorney B handles the case and wins a settlement of $50,000. Attorney A and Attorney B agree to split the fees earned from the case, with Attorney A receiving 25% and Attorney B receiving 75%.
Example 2: Attorneys C and D jointly represent a client in a divorce case. They work together to negotiate a settlement of $100,000. Attorneys C and D agree to split the fees earned from the case, with each receiving 50%.
These examples illustrate how attorneys can divide fees earned from a case when they work together or refer cases to each other. However, it is important to follow ethical rules and regulations when doing so.