Under what condition is fee splitting allowed?

Fee splitting is permissible when lawyers are in the same firm because it aligns with the principles of shared enterprise and responsibility inherent within a law firm. In such instances, lawyers collaborate on cases, share resources, and maintain a mutual interest in the outcome, which justifies the distribution of fees among them. This structure is recognized and regulated by professional conduct rules, promoting transparency and integrity within the firm.

In contrast, splitting fees among lawyers who are not part of the same firm is generally prohibited unless certain conditions are met, such as obtaining informed consent from the client and ensuring that the total fee remains reasonable. Therefore, the understanding of fee splitting within the confines of a shared firm structure fosters both ethical practice and collective accountability to clients.