Consent to Joint Representation

I, Rachel Facey, acknowledge that the law firm of Miller & Zois and Jamie Johnson will be jointly representing me in my personal injury claim. I also understand that I will not be charged any additional legal fees nor will I incur any additional expenses due to the fact that two law firms are jointly representing me in my claim and I consent to this representation and fee split agreement. I understand that the overall attorneys’ fees will be divided between the two law firms or lawyers with the law firm of Miller & Zois receiving 2/3 of the overall fee and Mr. Johnson to receive 1/3 of the overall fee.

Rachel Facey
_____________________
DATE

Why We Provide This Sample

Typically, from the client’s perspective, two lawyers – or 3, 4, or 5 lawyers – is better than one so long as the client is still paying the same contingency fee. Usually, this benefits the client because the existing lawyer is bringing along more experienced counsel in that particular area of the law.

But in Maryland, and we believe most states, this arrangement must be understood and approved by the client. This is the form we use to make sure we have a clear understanding with the client that we are sharing our fee with the prior attorney.  The best way to do this is to make the client is crystal clear about the arrangement both orally and in writing.  Of course, memorializing the agreement is the best way to protect yourself but being upfront with the client and fully explaining how the fee sharing works — and why it is in their best interests — is also crucial.

It is usually best for the client because the referring lawyer was wise enough to realize that getting assistance was the best way to maximize the value of the case for the client.

Most of our largest cases come from lawyers who are putting the client’s interest first by referring the case to us.  These lawyers are talking a smaller percentage of the attorneys’ fees when they refer the case to us.  But many of these lawyers will tell you that their final fee was much higher because they referred the case to Miller & Zois.   Our lawyers have made millions of dollars for our referring attorneys.

Related Articles and Samples

• Looking to Refer Your Personal Injury Case? (Miller & Zois splits fees with co-counsel consistent with Maryland Rule 1.5(e) with lawyers in Maryland and around the country)
• Our Firm: A look at… us.
• Sample letters from attorney to client