Even with the disclosures required by N.Y. State 604, a client may wish to obtain general advice from a lawyer. Many lay people lack a basic knowledge of the laws that affect their daily lives. They may fear engaging a lawyer for a complete representation because they do not know how simple or complicated their problems are, and how costly hiring a lawyer may be. Thus, the telephone advice program is consistent with the admonition of EC 2-2 to help the public to recognize legal problems. Referring Certain Calls to Another Law Firm.
Lawyers often refer clients to other lawyers who are better able to serve their clients.
Such referrals normally raise ethical questions only when the lawyer to whom a prospective client is sent has requested the referral or the referring lawyer is compensated for the referral. If the firm expects to refer a significant number of cases, however, two other issues are raised. Where a significant number of cases will be referred to another attorney, this provision may be violated. In addition, we believe that, if a significant number of cases will be referred to lawyers in other jurisdictions or to lawyers in certain areas of practice, there should be disclosure of whether callers will be charged for discussions with the attorney running the 900 number leading up to the recommendation to hire a different attorney. Charging for Legal Services Via a 900 Number.