Refer a case in about 60 seconds.
Confidential attorney referral · written fee agreements under the Texas rules · response within one business day.
How attorney referrals and co-counsel arrangements work.
Most people — and many lawyers — have never seen a serious-injury referral handled well. Here is how the relationships, the ethics, and the economics actually work.
The right team for the specific case.
Law is specialized. A family lawyer, business attorney, or general practitioner is often the first call an injured person makes — because trust already exists. But a serious injury case may demand accident reconstruction, medical experts, six-figure case investment, and genuine trial capability. Referral relationships let the client keep the lawyer they trust while gaining the team the case requires.
Done well, everyone is better off: the client gets properly resourced representation, the referring attorney stays connected and shares in the fee ethically, and the receiving firm does what it is built for.
Referral vs. co-counsel, and how fees work.
In a pure referral, the receiving firm takes over the legal work while keeping the referring attorney informed. In a co-counsel arrangement, both lawyers remain actively involved with divided responsibilities. Which structure fits depends on the case and the referring attorney’s practice.
Fee-sharing between lawyers is governed by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct: the client must be informed of and consent to the arrangement, and the overall fee must remain reasonable — the client never pays more because a referral occurred. Referral partners at LOAR typically receive a portion of the attorney’s fee, commonly one-third, documented in writing at the start of the case. Referral fees are only ever paid to licensed attorneys.
For clients, the practical takeaway is simple: a referral costs you nothing extra, and it is built on your consent.
The standard to hold us to.
Prompt response when you call. Honest evaluation, including “this is not a strong case” when that is true. Excellent client care — the referred client’s experience reflects on the attorney who made the introduction. Communication at every major milestone. Proper documentation from day one. And gratitude that shows up as performance, not just words.
That standard is the foundation of LOAR’s Referral Partner Program, and it is why first referrals so often become long-term relationships.
Answers before you reach out.
Is referring a case ethical?
Yes — when handled properly. Texas Disciplinary Rules permit referral fees between lawyers when the arrangement is disclosed to and approved by the client, the total fee is reasonable, and the requirements of the rules are met. Proper documentation at the start protects everyone, especially the client.
Do I stay involved after referring?
As much as you and the client want. At minimum, a good receiving firm keeps you informed at major milestones. Many referring attorneys remain a trusted point of contact for the client throughout the case.
What if I’m not sure the case is ‘big enough’ to refer?
Call anyway. Early evaluation costs nothing, and the receiving firm can help assess liability, damages, coverage, and urgency. If it is not a fit, a good partner helps identify the right next step rather than leaving your client stranded.
Questions about your situation?
A free consultation costs nothing and creates no obligation. LOAR will help you understand the next step — whether or not the firm is the right fit.
Have a case to discuss?
Start a confidential referral conversation — no client details required. A LOAR attorney responds within one business day, and every arrangement is documented in writing.
Discuss a Referral Confidentially →