Model Rule, agreement to the associationMO
Missouri fee division
Missouri numbers it 4-1.5. Two lawyers may divide a fee if the split matches the work or each takes joint responsibility, you agree to the association in a writing, and the total is reasonable.
Last checked Sep 4, 2026 · LawyerUnc editorial. Educational only, not legal advice.
- The rule
- Mo. R. Prof. Cond. 4-1.5(e)
- What you sign
- The client agrees to the association and the agreement is confirmed in writing. The total fee is reasonable. Put each share in that writing even if the subsection's sentence is shorter than the ABA's.
- How the split is allowed
- Proportion to services performed, or each lawyer 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
Cite 4-1.5(e), not 'Missouri 1.5(e).' The 4- prefix is the Missouri numbering.
The text says agreement to the association, confirmed in writing. It does not copy the ABA 'including the share each lawyer will receive' clause. Put the shares in anyway.