May a lawyer share fees with a non-lawyer in California?

In California, the rules regarding fee-sharing between lawyers and non-lawyers are quite stringent. A lawyer is not permitted to share legal fees with non-lawyers. However, there is an exception that allows for non-lawyers to receive gifts for past recommendations of clients, which does not constitute a fee-sharing arrangement. This exception is permissible as it does not involve ongoing payment based on the lawyer's fees or depend on the outcome of legal services provided.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the ethical rules governing the sharing of fees. It is not permissible for lawyers to share fees for future referrals, nor can they form equal partnerships with non-lawyers in a way that includes sharing of legal fees. Additionally, the notion of a blanket allowance for fee-sharing in all cases contradicts the clear standards established by the California Rules of Professional Conduct, which uphold the independence of legal practice. Therefore, the only situation in which sharing might take place, as indicated in the correct answer, is through non-compensatory gifts for past recommendations.