Warning

Info

Warning

Info

Warning

Info

LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

fee-splitting

Read a random definition: direct-action statute

A quick definition of fee-splitting:

Fee-splitting is when two or more lawyers divide the money they earn from a case. This can happen when one lawyer refers a case to another lawyer and they share the fee. However, some states think this is not okay. It can also happen when two lawyers work on a case together but are not in the same law firm. But, lawyers are not allowed to split fees with people who are not lawyers.

A more thorough explanation:

Fee-splitting is the practice of dividing attorney's fees between two or more lawyers. This can happen in two ways:

  1. When a lawyer who handled a case shares the fees with a lawyer who referred the case to them. Some states consider this practice unethical.
  2. When two or more lawyers represent a client together but are not in the same law firm. They split the fees earned from the case.

It is important to note that attorneys are not allowed to split fees with non-lawyers under most states' ethics rules.

Example 1: Lawyer A refers a client to Lawyer B for a personal injury case. Lawyer B wins the case and earns a fee of $10,000. Lawyer A and Lawyer B agree to split the fee equally. This is fee-splitting.

Example 2: Lawyer C and Lawyer D work together to represent a client in a divorce case. They both work on the case and earn a fee of $20,000. They agree to split the fee equally. This is also fee-splitting.

These examples illustrate how lawyers can split fees when they work together on a case or when one lawyer refers a case to another. However, it is important to follow the ethics rules of each state to avoid any unethical practices.

fee-simple title | fee statement

Warning

Info

General

General chat about the legal profession.
main_chatroom
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
I also studied while working full time
i got a 160 but i'm like.....i can maybe do better than that with a little more time
Mostlylegal
11:38
@badhorrormovie: at this point vandy or ndls, hopefully with a scholly
I had no life
@Mostlylegal: good luck!!:)
I wish I had more time but honestly getting my apps in early did make a difference especially this cycle
@wasbornfierce: real LMAO
Mostlylegal
11:39
if no school this cycle im chilling, i have a career job and work experience seems to be becoming more valuable, and with the job market the way it is im just grateful to be in the spot i am
so true the job market is horrible
@wasbornfierce: omg are u a midwesterner too hey diva
Mostlylegal
11:39
dang that loyola scholly is sexy, have you made ur decision yet wasborn
yes from chi area
i got so lucky i had a part-time gig at a firm during undergrad that went full-time
OMG HEYYY NEIGHBOR
and no I do want loyola but also with the schools it'll be 50k in tuition plus living in the Gold Coast
it's more expensive than northwestern for some reason
Mostlylegal
11:41
i wanna end up chicago biglaw so maybe we will work together yall
I applied to Loyola's health law fellowship so I am hoping to get that and if not I will be attending Kent
which to be clear I really like Kent
it has a gym which is very exciting for me
Mostlylegal
11:41
i would see if you could reneg uiuc, they are an up and coming school
I am going to Loyola and Kents admitted student weekend Friday and Saturday back to back
I tried to renegotiate UIUC they denied me
also did not have the best experience at my visit there and went there for undergrad
so a new environment will be nice :)
Mostlylegal
11:43
well thats good since itll make the decision easier
yes I withdrew from uiuc hoping someone else will be able to take my spot who is willing to pay that much lol
Mostlylegal
11:43
thats kind of you
hit message limit: we can all be chi big law friends HAHAH also i'm sorry about uiuc!!
best of luck everyone ❤️
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.