Model Rule, by firm, contribution not hoursAK
Alaska fee division
Alaska tracks the Model Rule with different nouns. Two firms may divide a fee if the split matches each firm's contribution, or each firm takes joint responsibility in a writing with you. You agree to each firm's participation, including each share, and that participation is confirmed to you in writing. The total has to be reasonable.
Last checked Sep 4, 2026 · LawyerUnc editorial. Educational only, not legal advice.
- The rule
- Alaska R. Prof. Cond. 1.5(e)
- What you sign
- The client agrees to the participation of each firm, including the share each firm will receive, and the participation is confirmed to the client in writing. The total fee is reasonable.
- How the split is allowed
- In proportion to the contribution of each firm, or, by written agreement with the client, each firm assumes joint responsibility for the representation.
- Any cap on the referring share
- No Florida-style 25% cap. The total fee must be reasonable.
- Who is not in the fee
- A nonlawyer does not take a percentage of the recovery. Hosting, ads, and software get a flat or metered bill. That is ABA Model Rule 5.4 in substance, and every state on this desk follows it.
For the lawyer on the other end
Alaska measures contribution of each firm, not services of each lawyer. Do not paste the ABA sentence in blindly.
The writing confirms participation to the client. That is the Alaska verb. Use it.