I own a consulting group that provides a number of sevices to individuals and businesses that finds a solution to problems. One has been to ...

Question

I own a consulting group that provides a number of sevices to individuals and businesses that finds a solution to problems. One has been to help secure an individual their rights in a potenial liability suit by researching there situation, putting together a comprehensive proposal with a timeline of events, medical records and research to back up a potenial case. We then market it to law firms that specialize in that area of law on a contingency basis. Sometimes it can take months or over a year until you find a firm that will take the case. When we find a firm we our out of the situation because we do not have attorney client confidentiality. In no way at any time do we give any legal advise. Sometime we are named a limited POA or just a represetative for this person to research and act as a locator of a firm. In most cases they have no financial resourses to pay so we take a contingency fee if they get a settlement. If there is no settlement we get no fee. This is between the client and us and in no way involves the law firm.My question is it unethical or illegal in Penna to take a contingency fee as a non attorney if you always put the clients interest first. Thank You

Answer

It is my opinion that only a licensed lawyer or public adjuster can charge a contingency fee for the proceeds of a lawsuit or insurance claim.