The Ethics of Buying Leads: The 7 Questions to Ask When Signing Up With a Lead Generator

Expired

Program Number

3194

Program Date

2021-05-06

CLE Credits

The Comment to ABA Model Rule 7.2 was changed not that long ago, making it clear that a lawyer may ethically pay others for client leads. Since then the lead generation business has mushroomed, as lawyers have turned to this model in an effort to connect with quality clients. But the right of a lawyer to pay for leads is not without boundaries. In fact the lead generator must comply with all of the Rules of Professional Conduct, particularly the prohibition against false or misleading communications, as set out in Rule 7.1, limitations on the division of fees, as set out in Rule 5.4, and the obligation to maintain the prospective client’s confidentiality, under Rule 1.18. Beyond the ABA Model Rules, this program looks at several of the state quirks that impose obstacles. Within this context, the program looks at the seven questions every lawyer should ask to understand the ethical hurdles when considering participation in a lead gen program.