Under Rule 1.8, which statement about acquiring a proprietary interest in a client's cause of action is permitted?

• A. A lien to secure the fee or a contingent fee in a civil case.
• B. An ownership stake in the client’s business related to the case.
• C. An ownership claim on the case's outcome.
• D. A promise to donate to the client's charity.

Answer: (A)

Rule 1.8 bars a lawyer from acquiring a proprietary interest in the client's cause of action, with limited exceptions. The only permitted forms are a lien to secure the lawyer’s fees or expenses and a reasonable contingent fee in a civil case. So the described lien to secure the fee or a contingent fee in a civil case is allowed. The other ideas would give the lawyer an ownership stake in the client’s business, in the outcome of the case, or involve a donation, none of which constitute the permitted interests and would improperly tie the lawyer’s financial stake to the client's litigation.