Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A benefit or advantage, whether monetary or nonmonetary, that provides value to a recipient. The term encompasses gifts, payments, services, entertainment, and other forms of compensation or inducement.
Sources & Authorities
How it applies
Common Examples
2
Paid Referral Arrangement
Austin Abbott, a personal injury lawyer, offered a local hospital 20 percent of all fees from clients referred by its discharge planners. The hospital accepted and directed injured patients exclusively to Abbott. The arrangement gave the hospital something of value in exchange for client recommendations.
Political Contribution for Engagement
Alexis Archer's law firm donated $50,000 to a judicial candidate's campaign. Shortly afterward the firm received a lucrative appointment to represent a state agency in major litigation. The contribution supplied something of value to secure the government legal work.
Put it into practice
Test Yourself
10
Practice Questions5
· 10 primary sources
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Uniform Acts
Model Codes
Common Law
Hornbooks
Study Supplements
Common questions
Frequently Asked
4
Does the term include non-cash benefits such as entertainment or services?+
Yes. The term covers any form of benefit or advantage that provides value to the recipient, including gifts, entertainment, and other nonmonetary inducements.
Supporting sources
How does the term function in the rule against compensating third parties for client recommendations?+
A lawyer may not give or promise anything of value to a person in exchange for recommending the lawyer's services. Payments tied directly to client steering violate the prohibition.
Supporting sources
When does a political contribution become something of value under Rule 7.6?+
A contribution becomes something of value when it is made or solicited for the purpose of obtaining or being considered for a government legal engagement or judicial appointment.
Supporting sources
Does labeling a payment as a consulting fee or advertising cost change its character as something of value?+
No. The economic substance controls. A payment that functions as compensation for recommendations remains something of value regardless of how it is characterized.
Supporting sources
Professional ResponsibilityCommunications about legal services · ReferralsMPREFoundational