What is the principal limitation on feesharing with non-lawyers?

• A. It undermines the lawyer’s professional independence and is generally prohibited (Model Rule 5.4)
• B. It is allowed if the non-lawyer is a family member
• C. It is allowed if disclosed to the client
• D. It is required for cross-border practice

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is that fee-sharing with non-lawyers is tightly restricted because it can undermine a lawyer’s professional independence and objectivity. Model Rule 5.4 bars most fee-sharing with non-lawyers to protect the lawyer’s independent professional judgment; allowing such sharing could create outside influence over how a case is handled or how advice is given. While there are very narrow exceptions to the rule, the general rule is prohibition to preserve independence.

Therefore, the best answer reflects this independence-protection rationale. The other statements aren’t correct because simply having a non-lawyer be a family member, or disclosing the arrangement to the client, does not authorize sharing, and cross-border practice does not make fee-sharing a requirement.