Model Rule 1.5(e) styleNY
New York fee division
New York lets two lawyers split a fee if you are told, in writing, who is on the case and what share each gets, the total is not excessive, and either the split matches the work or each lawyer takes joint responsibility. There is no Florida-style 25% cap.
Last checked Sep 4, 2026 · LawyerUnc editorial. Educational only, not legal advice.
- The rule
- N.Y. Rules of Prof. Cond. 1.5(g)
- What you sign
- The client must agree after full disclosure that a division will be made, including the share each lawyer will receive, and that agreement is confirmed in writing.
- How the split is allowed
- In proportion to services, or joint responsibility assumed in a writing given to the client.
- Any cap on the referring share
- No separate statutory cap on a referring lawyer's percentage in ordinary personal-injury matters. The total fee still cannot be excessive under 1.5.
- 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
New York 1.5(g) is the Model Rule structure. Joint responsibility is ethical and financial responsibility for the representation, not a finder's fee.
Do not import Florida's 25% PI cap into a New York engagement letter.