Page 1 of 1
Referral fees and biglaw
Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2012 12:43 pm
by Anonymous User
Is anyone familiar with the rules surrounding referral fees when you're working at a firm (NYC specifically)? I've been told from other attorneys that if you refer a case to another attorney/firm, you get 1/3 of the judgment. Does that go to your firm, or is there ever a scenario where you can personally keep the fee? Perhaps it varies firm to firm. Any insights are appreciated.
Re: Referral fees and biglaw
Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2012 1:15 pm
by somewhatwayward
The answer to this will depend on whether you are referring within your firm or to an outside firm or attorney. Aside from a few exceptions, you are generally not allowed to pay for a referral, so if you refer to another lawyer, s/he can't pay you. However, fees within a firm can be split however the firm sees fit. So if you brought a case into your firm, your firm could decide to give you 1/3 of the fees even if you didn't work on the case. (see Rule 7.2 of the NY R. of Prof. Conduct)