Ethics of Referrals when working for a firm Forum

[victortsoi]

So I am an associate at a firm, just started. Say someone I know personally comes to me with legal problems(happens all the time). Am I obligated to give my firm first dibs, or can I refer to a lawyer I'm friends with that I think would do a good job? What if I don't want to give the case to my firm because it involves a family member or friend of mine, and just dont want my boss making associations? Thanks.

Edit- I know that its important to bring in clients, and thats what I'd do 99% of the time. I'm asking about those situations where someone needs legal help but you don't want your boss associating you with the client/situation.

[Nekrowizard]

I know absolutely nothing about your situation, but man, Kino is one of the GOAT bands.

[lacrossebrother]

your ethical obligations to your firm are to not take a material benefit at the firm's expense, not to compete with it, not to act on behalf of an adverse party, and not to use the firm's property for your own purposes/third party's.

So first you need to ask if you're acting on behalf of a competitor. No you're acting on behalf of yourself or your buddy.
And second, you need to ask whether you are getting a material benefit at the firm's expense. there really isn't a material benefit to you here. And this really isn't the type of expense to firm normally contemplated by Agency scholars I don't think.

[victortsoi]

I know absolutely nothing about your situation, but man, Kino is one of the GOAT bands.

yup!