While both lawyers and clients frequently offer gifts with the best of intentions, the ethical implications are not always so clear. To help, here are some common scenarios involving gifts and what to watch for in Florida’s Rules of Professional Conduct.

Scenario #1:

A prospective client comes to you for a family law matter. You do not take the case, but you recommend a colleague to the prospective client. The prospective client hires the colleague. As a show of gratitude, the colleague sends you a gift certificate – can you keep it? Rule 4-7.17(b) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar states that “[a] lawyer may not give anything of value to a person for recommending the lawyer’s services.. . . ”