Model Rule 7.2 permits referrals under what condition?

Model Rule 7.2 permits referrals under what condition?

• A. Prohibited unless the client signs a waiver.
• B. Allowed only with a disinterested lawyer's approval.
• C. Allowed if the arrangement implies favorable results.
• D. Permissible referrals if the client is informed and the arrangement does not imply case results or unduly influence the lawyer’s independence.

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is that referrals are allowed under Model Rule 7.2 if they’re transparent to the client and don’t influence the lawyer’s independent judgment or suggest guaranteed outcomes. The rule aims to let lawyers refer clients for legitimate services while preventing hidden incentives or misrepresentation about results. So, a referral is permissible when the client is informed about the arrangement and the referral does not imply any favorable case results or unduly influence the lawyer’s independence. This protects the client’s ability to choose freely and keeps the lawyer’s professional judgment intact. The other options aren’t aligned with the rule: there’s no requirement for a client waiver or for a separate disinterested lawyer’s approval, and promising or implying favorable results is not allowed.

The key idea here is that referrals are allowed under Model Rule 7.2 if they’re transparent to the client and don’t influence the lawyer’s independent judgment or suggest guaranteed outcomes. The rule aims to let lawyers refer clients for legitimate services while preventing hidden incentives or misrepresentation about results.

So, a referral is permissible when the client is informed about the arrangement and the referral does not imply any favorable case results or unduly influence the lawyer’s independence. This protects the client’s ability to choose freely and keeps the lawyer’s professional judgment intact.

The other options aren’t aligned with the rule: there’s no requirement for a client waiver or for a separate disinterested lawyer’s approval, and promising or implying favorable results is not allowed.