Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Practice Question
An attorney represents a client in a personal injury case and receives a significant referral fee from a medical provider for each client referred. Which of the following actions by the attorney most likely violates the rules regarding third-party compensation and influence?
Disclosing the referral fee to the client.
Using the referral fee to reduce the attorney’s hourly rate.
Refusing to accept the referral fee to avoid conflicts.
Accepting the referral fee without the client's knowledge.
Accepting a referral fee from a third party without the client's informed consent violates the rules on third-party compensation and influence. This action compromises the attorney's independence and may affect the attorney's loyalty to the client. Disclosing the fee or refusing it are compliant behaviors, and using the fee to reduce the hourly rate does not address the core issue of third-party influence.
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