§ 11-27-3. Receipt of fees as practice of law.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), any person, partnership, corporation, or association that receives any fee or any part of a fee for the services performed by an attorney at law shall be deemed to be practicing law contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
(b) A lawyer or law firm may agree to share a statutory or tribunal-approved fee award, or a settlement in a matter eligible for such an award, with an organization that referred the matter to the lawyer or law firm if: (i) the organization is one that is not for profit; (ii) the organization is tax-exempt under federal law; (iii) the fee award or settlement is made in connection with a proceeding to advance one or more of the purposes by virtue of which the organization is tax-exempt; and (iv) the client consents in a written representation that a division of fees will be made.
History of Section.G.L. 1923, ch. 401, § 46; P.L. 1935, ch. 2190, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 612, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 11-27-3; P.L. 2006, ch. 578, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Section 11-27-1. - “Hold himself or herself out” and “person” defined.
Section 11-27-2. - “Practice of law” defined.
Section 11-27-3. - Receipt of fees as practice of law.
Section 11-27-4. - Forwarding of claim not deemed practice of law.
Section 11-27-5. - Practice restricted to members of bar.
Section 11-27-6. - Compensation of unqualified persons for legal services prohibited.
Section 11-27-8. - Solicitation of business by agents prohibited.
Section 11-27-9. - Restriction on acts of insurance claim adjusters.
Section 11-27-10. - Agreement or offer to furnish legal services.
Section 11-27-11. - Practices permitted to persons not members of bar.
Section 11-27-12. - Unauthorized holding out as qualified to practice law.
Section 11-27-13. - Visiting attorneys.
Section 11-27-14. - Penalties for violations.
Section 11-27-15. - [Superseded.]
Section 11-27-16. - Practices permitted to corporations and associations.
Section 11-27-17. - Penalty for violations by corporation.
Section 11-27-18. - Legal Aid Society — Powers of supreme court.