Informal Opinion Number: 960126
Rules: 7.2(c);10.1
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QUESTION: Attorney belongs to an organization which refers potential clients to Attorney. This organization is requesting a voluntary contribution by Attorney of 10% of the fee Attorney receives. May Attorney make this contribution? ANSWER: It would be appropriate for Attorney to make the contribution only if the organization which makes the referral is a qualified lawyer referral service registered under Rule 4 dash–10.1. Otherwise, the arrangement Attorney has described would violate Rule 4 dash–7.2(c).
Informal Opinions are ethics advisory opinions issued by the Office of Legal Ethics Counsel to members of the Bar about Rule 4 (Rules of Professional Conduct), Rule 5 (Complaints and Proceedings Thereon), and Rule 6 (Fees to Practice Law) pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Rule 5.30(c). Written summaries of select Informal Opinions are published for informational purposes as determined by the Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri pursuant to Rule 5.30(c). Informal opinion summaries are advisory in nature and are not binding. These opinions are published as an educational service and do not constitute legal advice.
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