Ethics Opinion

Opinion 64-75

FLORIDA BAR ETHICS OPINION
OPINION 64-75
January 13, 1965
Advisory ethics opinions are not binding.
It would be proper for a law firm to become affiliated with an advertising corporation for the sole
purpose of obtaining group medical and hospitalization insurance benefits.
Canons:

34, 35

Chairman Smith stated the opinion of the committee:
A member of The Florida Bar states that his firm represents a Florida
corporation engaged in the general advertising business in this state. One member
of the law firm is a member of the board of directors of the corporation. The
inquiring lawyer has been advised that the relationship between his firm and the
corporation is such that the two organizations may be considered affiliated for the
purpose of obtaining group medical and hospitalization insurance at rates lower
than those which normally would be available to the law firm. The inquiry is
whether it would be ethically proper for the law firm to become affiliated with the
advertising corporation for the purpose of obtaining the insurance benefits
mentioned.
It is, of course, improper for lawyers engaged in the general practice of law to so
associate themselves with other organizations as to lose their independent status and their
identity as lawyers engaged in the practice of law for the benefit of the public. Provided,
however, that the affiliation suggested would be nothing more than a technical one for the
purpose of obtaining the insurance benefits, it is the opinion of this Committee that the
arrangement would not be improper. Of course, the Canons prohibit the division of fees or legal
compensation with a layman or like organization. Care should be taken that the insurance
benefits are in no way calculated to represent fees for services rendered to the advertising
organization. Our opinion is based upon the assumption that the insurance benefits are in no way
related to compensation for professional services rendered.