How our referral process works depends upon the referring lawyer.  There are lawyers that send us cases in bulk that really do not care to be involved in the case. In these cases, we provide status reports of key developments but otherwise take the ball and run with it without a great deal of consultation.  This is perfectly acceptable under the Maryland Rules.  A division of fees between attorneys not in the same law firm can be made without consideration of how much work is being done as long as the fee arrangement is in writing, each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the claim, and the client is fully on board. Other referring attorneys want to stay involved in the case.  Often, they have some personal connection with the client and want to be a part of the process and want the client to feel like the lawyer has not abandoned them.  We are sensitive to this.  Usually, the referring lawyer comes out of it looking pretty good with the client.  They are giving up some portion of their fee so that the client can get the best possible joint legal team without it costing them an extra penny.