It is unlawful for a person, partnership, corporation, or association to divide with or receive from, or to agree to divide with or receive from, an attorney or group of attorneys, whether practicing in this State or elsewhere, any portion of a fee or compensation charged or received by an attorney or any valuable consideration or reward as an inducement for placing or in consideration of having placed in the hands of an attorney, or in the hands of another person a claim or demand of any kind for the purpose of collecting the claim or bringing an action on the claim or of representing the claimant in the pursuit of any civil remedy for the recovery of the claim. This section does not apply to an agreement between attorneys to divide between themselves the compensation to be received.
A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 56-146; 1952 Code Section 56-146; 1946 (44) 2575; 1993 Act No. 184 Section 226.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
Section 40-5-50. Filing of rules and regulations; effective date; conflict with other laws.
Section 40-5-60. General Assembly not precluded from prohibiting practice of law by any class.
Section 40-5-80. Citizen may prosecute or defend own cause.
Section 40-5-210. State Board of Law Examiners.
Section 40-5-220. License granted only by Supreme Court; applications for licensure.
Section 40-5-230. Effect of article on disciplinary powers of courts.
Section 40-5-320. Practice of law by corporations and voluntary associations unlawful.
Section 40-5-330. Attorney may not argue more than two hours without court permission.
Section 40-5-340. Penalties for purchasing claims for suit.
Section 40-5-350. Soliciting legal business unlawful.
Section 40-5-360. Splitting fees with lay persons unlawful.
Section 40-5-380. Pro bono work by attorneys employed by the State.
Section 40-5-390. Nonrefundable flat fee.
Section 40-5-520. Additional causes of removal or suspension; hearing required.