What is prohibited for a lawyer regarding fee-sharing?

The prohibition on sharing fees with non-lawyers is rooted in ethical guidelines governing the practice of law. According to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers are not permitted to share legal fees with individuals who are not licensed to practice law. This rule is designed to ensure that professional judgment is not compromised by financial interests and to maintain the integrity of the legal profession.

The reasoning behind this restriction is to prevent non-lawyers from having undue influence over a lawyer’s decisions and to safeguard the attorney-client relationship. In sharing fees with non-lawyers, there could be situations where the non-lawyer's interests conflict with the clients' best interests, potentially undermining the quality and independence of legal representation.

The other options present scenarios that are generally permissible. Lawyers can share fees within the same firm, provided it complies with relevant guidelines. Additionally, sharing fees with clients or legal assistants under specific circumstances can adhere to the permissible practices outlined in the Model Rules, as long as those arrangements do not violate ethical standards or regulations.