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Referrals  I very much admire the British system in which "solicitors" prepare cases, and then cooperate with specialists called "barristers" who actually try them. The American legal system doesn't draw such distinctions. If it did, I'd want to be a barrister — perhaps a Texas version of "Rumpole of the Bailey" (caricatured at right), but without the wig. Many lawyers who are talented, capable, and even brilliant in an office practice nevertheless can't find their way to the courthouse — and don't want to, and shouldn't try. Other lawyers who are perfectly competent to handle a typical lawsuit may find themselves with an atypical case — one in which they'd like to call in reinforcements, or perhaps punt altogether to someone with broader and deeper experience. More and more of my practice comes from these two sources. I actually like to parachute in at the last minute — perhaps just before a crucial stage like mediation, or even on the brink of trial itself — because those are times when my experience can count the most and my participation can be particularly cost-effective. I'm therefore eager to consider either outright or late-stage referrals from other lawyers. And while staying well within ethical bounds, I'm willing to consider joint venturing relationships, joint representations, and sharing fees appropriately with forwarding lawyers. |
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