Can New York Lawyers Share Referral Fees?
Yes, with conditions. New York permits lawyers from different firms to divide a fee only if the division is proportional to the services each performs, or each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the representation in a writing given to the client.
What NY requires
- Division proportional to services performed, OR joint responsibility assumed by each lawyer in a writing given to the client
- Client informed of the division and the participating lawyers, with no objection
- The writing must be given to the client, and the total fee must not be excessive
How New York compares to California
Unlike California, New York does not allow "pure" referral fees for the introduction alone: the referring lawyer must either perform a proportional share of the work or accept joint responsibility for the matter in writing. For the full California treatment, see our CRPC 1.5.1 guide — or estimate a split with the referral fee calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can a New York lawyer collect a fee just for referring a case?
Not for the referral alone. Under Rule 1.5(g), the referring lawyer must either perform services proportional to the fee received or assume joint responsibility for the representation in a writing provided to the client.
What does "joint responsibility" mean in New York?
The referring lawyer shares responsibility for the representation as if the lawyers were partners — including potential malpractice exposure. It is a real commitment, not a formality.
Does the client have to consent in New York?
The client must be informed of the division and the lawyers participating, and must not object. Best practice is written client acknowledgment retained in both files.
Want this automated in New York?
Tap2Refer currently automates referral fee compliance for California — e-signed fee agreements, automatic written client consent, audit-ready PDFs. New York support is prioritized by demand. Leave your email and you'll be first to know (and first to shape it):
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Referral fee rules in other states
California · Texas · Florida · Illinois · Pennsylvania · Ohio · New Jersey · Georgia · Massachusetts · Washington
General information about NY Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(g), current as of mid-2026 — not legal advice. Rules and interpretations change; verify against the current rules published by the New York bar authority before relying on any summary.