FOR REFERRING LAWYERS · CA · NV · WA · UT

Refer With Confidence

Get the fee arrangement right

When you send a client to another lawyer, two things matter: the client is taken care of, and the fee arrangement holds up if anyone ever looks at it.

WHAT'S INSIDE

• Fee-division rules side by side for NV, CA, WA and UT
• Utah's new Nov. 1, 2026 rules, in plain English
• How Rule 8.5(b) choice of law works, and how to meet the stricter rule

THE PROBLEM

Your client in good hands. An arrangement that holds up.

The rules on dividing fees differ in every state, they've been changing, and your matter may touch more than one state. A referral that looks simple can turn into an ethics question years later.

“I just want my client taken care of, and to do this by the book.”

YOUR GUIDE

Frank Stucki, Esq., MBA

Referring a client you care about is a trust decision. You deserve a trial lawyer who keeps you updated and handles the paperwork right from day one.

I'm licensed in California, Nevada, Washington and Utah and work with referring lawyers across all four, so I keep the differences straight.

STEP 1

Find the rule that applies

Choice of law under Rule 8.5(b).

STEP 2

Check the requirements

For each state involved.

STEP 3

Put it in writing

A lawyer-to-lawyer agreement and the client's signed consent, before the work starts.

If you wait

• A fee agreement that doesn't hold up
• A client confused about who's doing the work
• A bar question you didn't see coming

When you act

• Your client is cared for
• The paperwork is right from the start
• You're kept in the loop, as the rules allow

YOUR NEXT STEP

Have a client who needs a trial lawyer?

Get the free guide, then let's talk through the case and get the paperwork right from the start.

Prefer to talk? 702.702.BORN · Frank@FrankStucki.com

Southern California (310) 299-9PCH · Washington (206) 657-5PNW · Utah (385) 585-5SLC

Frank Stucki, Esq., MBA · Frank Stucki Law · 1980 Festival Plaza Dr., Ste. 300, Las Vegas, NV 89135 · 702.702.BORN. Licensed in California, Nevada, Washington and Utah; cases in other states are handled with local co-counsel licensed there. Rules change; read the current rule in each state involved. General information for lawyers, not legal advice. Attorney Advertising.