LEO: Conflict of Interests/Necessity of  LE Op. 489

 

Conflict of Interests/Necessity of Disclosing Attorney's

Financial Interest.

 

September 3, 1982

 

It would not be improper for an attorney to receive an originator's fee

from a particular lending institution for referring clients to the lending

institution as long as 1) full and adequate disclosure is made to the

client regarding receipt of such fee and 2) the client consents to such

arrangement. Receiving such fee for referral of a non-client presents no

ethical question, as an attorney-client relationship does not exist. [See

 DR:5-101(A).]

 

Committee Opinion September 3, 1982