When can a lawyer accept compensation from a third party for representing a client?

The correct response indicates that a lawyer can accept compensation from a third party for representing a client when there is informed consent from the client, and the attorney’s judgment is not influenced by that third party.

Informed consent entails that the client is fully aware of and agrees to the arrangement under which the third party compensates the lawyer. This is essential because it ensures that the client is not misled or taken advantage of, and it fosters transparency in the client-lawyer relationship. Furthermore, the requirement for the lawyer’s judgment to remain uncompromised is crucial, as the lawyer has an ethical obligation to prioritize the client’s interests above all else. Any arrangement that might tempt the lawyer to act in a way that favors the third party over the client's interests could lead to ethical violations.

Both of these conditions—client’s informed consent and the maintenance of unbiased judgment—work in tandem to protect the integrity of the attorney-client relationship and uphold the principles of professional responsibility in legal practice. Therefore, the combined necessity of these two elements justifies the selection of the option that includes them both.