Which of the following is an acceptable practice for a lawyer regarding referrals?

An acceptable practice for a lawyer regarding referrals involves entering into non-exclusive referral agreements where clients are informed. This aligns with the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which emphasize transparency and client consent in referral arrangements. Non-exclusive agreements respect the autonomy of the clients and allow for informed decision-making. By informing clients about the referral relationship, lawyers maintain ethical standards and ensure that clients understand the nature of the referral and any potential implications.

The other options present issues regarding ethical compliance. Paying a relative for every client referred could lead to conflicts of interest and questions about the integrity of the referral process. Paying for advertisements without restrictions may violate rules that govern false or misleading communications about a lawyer’s services. Offering significant discounts to existing clients for new referrals might create an inappropriate financial incentive that could compromise the professional judgment of the lawyer and potentially harm the client-lawyer relationship. Therefore, option C stands out as the only practice that maintains ethical integrity regarding referrals.