Model Rules of Professional Conduct Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Client consent is necessary when a lawyer seeks compensation from parties other than the client, and this arrangement must not interfere with the lawyer’s independent professional judgment. This requirement is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the attorney-client relationship and ensuring that the lawyer’s decisions are made solely in the best interest of the client.

The rules are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and to uphold the lawyer's duty of loyalty to the client. If a lawyer accepts compensation from a third party without the client's informed consent, it could lead to a situation where the lawyer's judgment may be influenced by the interests of the third party rather than those of the client, which could compromise the quality of representation provided.

Understanding the necessity of client consent highlights the importance of transparency and communication in the attorney-client relationship, reinforcing the ethical obligation to prioritize the client's interests above all else.