FAQs — Knowledge Tree
The FAQs — Knowledge Tree is a custom-designed tool for members of the Law Society of Upper Canada. A comprehensive Q&A of the most popular practice management subjects you have asked about is posted here in an easy to use format.
-
I've been consulted by a new client regarding a matter in which I have no experience. An experienced colleague told me that she would be happy to take on the matter and pay me a referral fee. Can a lawyer or paralegal exchange a fee with another lawyer or paralegal for the referral of clients? View Answer
-
I am looking to increase my client base and would like to pay my accountant a small fee or commission for each client he refers to me. Can I pay a referral fee to someone who is neither a lawyer nor a paralegal? View Answer
-
My accountant would like to pay me a referral fee for each one of my business clients I refer to her accounting firm. Can I accept a referral fee from someone who is neither a lawyer nor a paralegal?
View Answer
-
I am involved in a complex matter that will require the assistance of a colleague from another firm. I want to retain control over the file and the client but need my colleague to work extensively with me on the file. Can I have another lawyer or paralegal work on the file with me and then split the final fee to the client? View Answer
-
My law firm is buying the practice of a lawyer who recently passed away. In negotiating with the deceased's widow, we are having trouble structuring the purchase price. My proposal is that the firm pays the widow, who is not a lawyer, a certain sum immediately upon closing plus payments over three years totaling ten per cent of all fees billed and collected, generated through this source. My partners think this constitutes impermissible fee splitting under the lawyers' Rules and is not permitted. Who is right? View Answer
-
Are there any exceptions to the prohibition against referral fees and fee splitting with non-licensees? View Answer