Louisville, Kentucky

Attorney Referrals and Co-Counsel for Kentucky Personal Injury Cases

Attorney referrals to Forman & Associates: how Kentucky's fee-division rule works, what to send us, and why we never pay non-lawyers for referrals.

Reviewed by Larry Forman, Attorney

Lawyers who don’t handle injury cases, and lawyers outside Kentucky whose clients were hurt here, send us cases. This page explains how attorney referrals and co-counsel arrangements work with Forman & Associates, the Kentucky rule that governs fee division between lawyers, what we need from you, and our policy on referrals from non-lawyers.

Attorney referrals: two lawyers walk down an office hallway as one hands the other a case file.

Cases we take on referral

We represent injured people throughout Kentucky. Referring lawyers most often send us:

Our full list is on the practice areas page. If you’re not sure whether a case fits, call and ask.

How attorney referrals work under Kentucky’s fee-division rule

Kentucky allows lawyers in different firms to divide a fee only under the conditions in SCR 3.130(1.5)(e):

“A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm may be made only if: (1) the division is in proportion to the services performed by each lawyer, or, each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the representation; (2) the client agrees to the arrangement and the agreement is confirmed in writing; and (3) the total fee is reasonable.”

In practice, that means:

  • The client agrees, in writing. We confirm the arrangement with the client in writing at the start.
  • Either proportional work or joint responsibility. A referring lawyer who doesn’t do a share of the work must assume joint responsibility for the representation.
  • The client pays no more because of the referral. The total fee has to be reasonable, and the division comes out of that fee, not on top of it.

If you practice outside Kentucky, check your own jurisdiction’s rules too; they may add requirements.

Co-counsel arrangements

Some lawyers want to stay involved and share the work. We’re open to co-counsel arrangements where each firm’s role is defined in writing at the start, and where the division reflects the work each firm does or joint responsibility under Rule 1.5(e).

Cases that start outside Kentucky can come to us directly or through the lawyer the client already trusts. Our About page describes how we work with locally licensed co-counsel.

What to send us

A short call or email is enough to start. Helpful information:

  • The client’s name and the names of the other parties (so we can check for conflicts)
  • The date and place of the incident
  • The injuries and current treatment
  • Insurance information, if known
  • Any deadlines you’re aware of, and what’s been filed

Watch the clock. Many Kentucky injury claims must be filed within one year, and most motor vehicle claims within two; see our statute of limitations guide. Please don’t hold a case until the deadline is close.

What you can expect from us

  • A straight answer on whether we can take the case.
  • Updates on the case, shared with you as the client permits. Kentucky’s confidentiality rule (SCR 3.130(1.6)) means the client’s consent controls what we share.
  • Trial preparation from the start. We prepare every case for trial. Larry Forman has tried 50+ jury trials and won 95% of them. See our case results; past results don’t guarantee a similar outcome.

Learn more about Larry Forman and our team.

We don’t pay non-lawyers for referrals

Kentucky’s rules say a lawyer “shall not give anything of value to a non-lawyer for recommending the lawyer’s services” (SCR 3.130(7.20)(2)), and “shall not share legal fees with a nonlawyer” (SCR 3.130(5.4)(a)). So:

  • We don’t pay, reward or give gifts to medical providers, body shops, tow operators, investigators or anyone else for sending us clients.
  • We don’t use “runners” or contact accident victims in person or by live phone call to solicit their cases.
  • Former clients and friends who recommend us have our thanks, but we can’t give anything of value in return.

If anyone claims to be “working with” our firm and offers money or favors to steer an injured person to us, it isn’t us. Please tell us.

What we send referring counsel

Referring lawyers get a written engagement letter that sets out each firm’s role, and regular status updates at key points: when suit is filed, after depositions, at mediation, and at resolution. We share the client’s deadlines calendar with co-counsel so nothing is missed.

Kentucky’s rules on dividing fees between lawyers are in the Rules of Professional Conduct (SCR 3.130(1.5)), including the requirement that the client agree in writing.

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Attorney referrals FAQs

Can a Kentucky lawyer receive a referral fee for a personal injury case?

Yes, if the client agrees in writing, the referring lawyer either does a proportional share of the work or assumes joint responsibility, and the total fee is reasonable (SCR 3.130(1.5)(e)).

Does the client pay more if a case is referred?

The total fee must be reasonable, and the division between lawyers comes out of that fee.

Can an out-of-state lawyer refer a Kentucky injury case to you?

Yes. Kentucky’s fee-division rule applies here, and the referring lawyer should also check the rules where they practice.

Do you pay chiropractors or other non-lawyers for referrals?

No. Kentucky’s rules prohibit giving anything of value to a non-lawyer for recommending a lawyer.

What information do you need to evaluate a referral?

The parties’ names for a conflict check, the date and place of the incident, injuries, insurance information and any deadlines.

Will I be kept informed after I refer a case?

Yes, to the extent the client consents. Client confidentiality rules control what we can share.

Refer a case

Call (502) 931-6788 or use our contact form and note that you’re a referring attorney. Our office is at 1139 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40203.

This page is general information about Kentucky’s professional conduct rules as of October 2026. It isn’t legal advice or an ethics opinion. Lawyers should consult the current rules and their own jurisdiction’s requirements.

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