What is the requirement for splitting fees between lawyers of the same firm?

The requirement for splitting fees between lawyers of the same firm hinges on the principles of fairness and accountability in legal practice. When lawyers in the same firm decide to split fees, it is essential that the division is reasonable and reflects the proportion of services provided by each attorney. This guideline ensures that clients understand the value they receive from each lawyer's contributions and are not unfairly charged for services they did not receive or that were not commensurate with the fees charged.

Moreover, the expectation of reasonableness means that the split must consider the complexity of the work performed and the experience brought to the case by each attorney. By adhering to this principle, the firm maintains ethical standards and promotes transparency in billing practices, which is crucial for maintaining client trust and upholding the integrity of the legal profession.

Verbal consent from the client is not specifically required for fee splitting among lawyers in the same firm, as long as the arrangement is reasonable and appropriately documented. Therefore, option B accurately captures the essence of the requirements surrounding fee splitting in a law firm context.