BarbriSFCourseDetails
  • videocam Live Webinar with Live Q&A
  • calendar_month April 8, 2026 @ 1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
  • signal_cellular_alt Beginner
  • card_travel Ethics and Specialty Credits
  • schedule 90 minutes

Ethics: Non-Lawyers Owning Law Firms and the Impact on Civil Litigation

Early Bird Pricing!
MSRP
$197.00
$167.45
Save $29.55

Discount expires 3/26/26

This course is $0 with these passes:

CLE
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About the Course

Introduction

This webinar will provide an in-depth analysis of ethical issues that arise when non-lawyers own law firms and their effect on civil litigation. The panel will discuss ABA Model Rules, specific state rules regarding non-lawyer equity interests in law firms, the impact on civil litigation, and other ethical issues stemming from non-lawyer ownership.

Description

ABA Model Rule 5.4 governs the professional independence of lawyers and restricts fee-sharing with non-lawyers and prevents third-party interference. However, some states have modified or eliminated this rule, allowing non-lawyers, venture capitalists, hedge funds, and others ownership in law firms.

ABA Model Rule 5.4(a) prohibits lawyers from sharing legal fees with a non-lawyer, with very few exceptions. Rule 5.4(b) states that a lawyer shall not form a partnership with a non-lawyer if any of the activities of the partnership consist of the practice of law. Arizona, Utah, and Washington, D.C. have either eliminated or significantly modified this rule to allow such partnerships, with others considering changes as well.

The modification or elimination of Rule 5.4 in some states has raised concerns by legal ethics professionals, sounding the alarm on the potential ethical implications of non-lawyer ownership, such as issues in civil litigation, funding, and law firm management. Others believe that allowing non-lawyer ownership increases the availability and accessibility of legal services to consumers.

Listen as our panel discusses ABA Model Rule 5.4, specific state rules regarding non-lawyer equity interests, the impact on civil litigation, and other ethical issues stemming from non-lawyer ownership.

Presented By

Donald Patrick Eckler
Partner
Freeman Mathis and Gary, LLP

Mr. Eckler’s practice has evolved from primarily representing insurers in coverage disputes to managing complex litigation in which he represents a wide range of professionals, businesses and tort defendants. His record of success includes numerous summary judgments, several successful trial results and multiple favorable appellate results. His coverage practice for insurers and the insured involves CGL and personal lines policies, issues involving the duties to defend and indemnify, bad faith and the application of exclusions.

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Credit Information

  • This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.

  • An excellent opportunity to earn Ethics CLE credits. Note: BARBRI cannot guarantee that this course will be approved for ethics credits in all states. To confirm, please contact our CLE department at pdservice@barbri.com.


  • Live Online


    On Demand

Date + Time

  • event

    Wednesday, April 8, 2026

  • schedule

    1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT

I. ABA Rule 5.4

II. State regulations, alternative business structures, and risks

III. Impact on law firm management and civil litigation

IV. Best practices for counsel

The panel will discuss these and other key issues:

  • ABA Rule 5.4 and the impact of some state nuances to, or elimination of, the rule
  • Understanding alternative business structures (ABS) and non-lawyer investment and ownership
  • Impact of non-lawyer ownership on law firm management and civil litigation
  • Ethical issues and balancing client needs and services with profit-driven motives
  • Best practices and pitfalls to avoid for law firms