What is necessary for a lawyer to refer a case to another competent lawyer?

For a lawyer to refer a case to another competent lawyer, it is essential that the client is informed about the referral and provides their consent. This principle is rooted in the duty of loyalty and confidentiality that a lawyer owes to their client. By informing the client and obtaining their agreement, the referring lawyer ensures that the client has the opportunity to make an informed decision about their representation. This respects the client's autonomy and reinforces the trust in the attorney-client relationship.

While it may be beneficial for the referring lawyer to have a prior relationship with the other lawyer or for them to work at different firms, these factors are not requirements for a proper referral. Additionally, the referring lawyer’s awareness of their own inadequacies does not impact the necessity of obtaining client consent for a referral. Thus, obtaining the client's awareness and agreement stands as the fundamental requirement in the referral process, ensuring ethical compliance and fostering a collaborative attorney-client dynamic.