What should a lawyer inform the client about when discussing fee splitting?

In the context of fee splitting, the primary concern revolves around transparency and informed consent regarding the fees a client is expected to pay. A lawyer is obligated to discuss the total fee charged to the client because this information directly affects the client’s understanding of their financial commitment and the overall value of the legal services being provided.

Informing the client about the total fee helps ensure that the client has a clear understanding of what the financial implications of their legal representation will be. This transparency is critical in fostering trust between the lawyer and the client, which is essential for a healthy attorney-client relationship. Keeping clients informed about their financial obligations is also in line with legal ethical standards, which emphasize the importance of clarity and honesty in all interactions with clients.

While understanding the lawyer's finances, the client's payment history, or the lawyer's office expenses may provide additional context, they are not primary considerations that need to be conveyed in the discussion about fee splitting. The focus should be on the fee itself, as this directly relates to the agreement between the lawyer and the client.