What should a lawyer do if they recommend another lawyer's services?

When a lawyer recommends another lawyer's services, it is essential to notify the client of any referral agreement that exists between the two attorneys. This action aligns with the ethical obligation to maintain transparency with clients regarding the nature of the attorney-client relationship and any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from such arrangements.

By informing the client of the referral agreement, the referring lawyer ensures that the client can make an informed decision about the additional legal assistance being offered. This promotes trust in the attorney-client relationship and upholds the duty of honesty and integrity that lawyers owe to their clients, as outlined in the Model Rules of Professional Conduct.

The other possible actions, such as ensuring the recommendation is exclusive, keeping the agreement confidential, or charging the referred lawyer a fee, do not adequately address the fundamental need for transparency and client consent regarding any referral arrangements. These could lead to misunderstandings or compromises in the client's trust in their lawyer’s recommendations.