Under what conditions is fee splitting with lawyers outside of the firm permitted?

The correct answer reflects the principle that fee splitting with lawyers outside of one’s firm is permitted when the client is fully informed and consents to the arrangement, and there is a cooperative effort in the provision of legal services. This is grounded in the professional responsibility rules that emphasize client autonomy, transparency, and the importance of the client’s interests in any fee arrangement.

Ensuring that the client gives permission protects their rights and promotes trust in the attorney-client relationship. Additionally, outlining cooperation between the lawyers involved establishes that the fee-sharing arrangement corresponds to work that is jointly performed, thereby reflecting the value brought by each participant in the legal services provided. This adherence to ethical standards prioritizes the client's needs while facilitating collaborative work among attorneys.

The other options lack essential elements required for ethical fee splitting. For instance, agreement without restrictions can lead to client confusion or exploitation, while asserting that fairness is sufficient neglects the need for client consent. Notably, merely being from different firms does not inherently justify fee splitting unless it also meets the criteria of client approval and shared work.