A lawyer's professional independence may be compromised if?

The professional independence of a lawyer can indeed be compromised if they share fees with nonlawyers. This practice raises significant ethical concerns and can lead to conflicts of interest, as it may create a situation where the nonlawyer has a financial stake in the lawyer’s practice, potentially influencing the lawyer's judgment and decision-making. Under the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 5.4, lawyers are prohibited from sharing legal fees with nonlawyers to maintain the integrity and independence of the legal profession.

In contrast, starting their own practice or working under supervision does not inherently compromise a lawyer's independence. Many lawyers operate independently when they start their practices, and supervision is often a part of many types of legal work, especially for new attorneys or in certain organizational settings. Collaborating with nonlawyers is permitted in many contexts, especially when it involves professionals such as paralegals or legal assistants, as long as the lawyer maintains ultimate control over the representation and the legal work involved. Thus, while collaboration can present challenges, it does not directly jeopardize professional independence like fee sharing with nonlawyers does.