Can Pennsylvania Lawyers Share Referral Fees?
Yes — Pennsylvania is one of the most referral-friendly states. Lawyers from different firms may divide a fee if the client is informed of and does not object to the participation of all lawyers, and the total fee is not illegal or clearly excessive.
What PA requires
- Client informed of, and does not object to, the participation of all lawyers involved
- Total fee not illegal or clearly excessive
- No proportionality or joint responsibility requirement — pure referral fees are permitted
How Pennsylvania compares to California
Pennsylvania is arguably even more permissive than California: the rule requires disclosure and non-objection rather than affirmative written client consent. Prudent practice is still to obtain written consent — enforceability disputes are far easier to win with a signature. For the full California treatment, see our CRPC 1.5.1 guide — or estimate a split with the referral fee calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Are pure referral fees allowed in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Rule 1.5(e) contains no proportionality or joint responsibility requirement — the division is permitted if the client is informed and does not object, and the total fee is not excessive.
Is written client consent required in Pennsylvania?
The rule requires that the client be informed and not object. Written confirmation is not textually required, but documenting disclosure and consent in writing is strongly advisable for enforceability.
Does the referring lawyer remain liable in Pennsylvania?
The rule does not impose joint responsibility as a condition of the fee division, but ordinary professional duties and any responsibilities the lawyers agree to still apply.
Want this automated in Pennsylvania?
Tap2Refer currently automates referral fee compliance for California — e-signed fee agreements, automatic written client consent, audit-ready PDFs. Pennsylvania support is prioritized by demand. Leave your email and you'll be first to know (and first to shape it):
Practicing in California too? Start free today.
Referral fee rules in other states
California · New York · Texas · Florida · Illinois · Ohio · New Jersey · Georgia · Massachusetts · Washington
General information about Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(e), current as of mid-2026 — not legal advice. Rules and interpretations change; verify against the current rules published by the Pennsylvania bar authority before relying on any summary.