Referrals

Difficult cases demand seasoned trial lawyers — and we’ve been there. Operating with the highest ethical principles, the Luvera Law Firm has a national reputation for obtaining exceptional results in major damage cases. We encourage collaboration with attorneys on appropriate cases.

In full compliance with legal ethics standards, we collaborate with attorneys throughout the United States to prepare and try cases.

If you would like more information about working with the Luvera Law Firm on a referral basis, contact Paul Luvera or any of the lawyers at the Luvera Law Firm. You can e-mail us using our information request form, or call (206) 467-6090 or fax (206) 467-6961.

The Luvera Law Firm is licensed to practice in the state of Washington, but has handled cases in many other states with permission of the court and the association of local counsel. Below are a few details that outline our referral policies with regard to types of cases and working arrangements.

Practice Areas

The Luvera Law Firm practice is limited to major damage cases on behalf of plaintiffs, and we do not represent insurance companies, do criminal defense work or defend damage cases. We conduct an in-depth review of each case before determining whether the association will move forward.

Lead Counsel Responsibilities

We accept the lead counsel role in all pre-trial and trial activities, but are willing to discuss participation from the referring attorney, when appropriate. Our office assumes responsibility for handling funds and fee disbursement, as well as resolution of subrogation issues.

We ordinarily take the primary role in settlement negotiations, but again, we encourage contributions from the referring lawyer. It is important to note that the Luvera Law Firm does not enter into secrecy or confidentiality agreements imposed by defendants as a condition of settlement. We firmly believe that the disclosure of settlement terms is up to our clients; it is not an option for the defense counsel or their insurance company.

Fee Agreements

The Washington Code of Professional Responsibility requires a written fee agreement in any contingent fee matter.

Referral fees depend upon a number of factors, including the nature of the case, the damages involved, cost sharing and the role of associate counsel. The Washington State Professional Code presently provides for a division of fees in proportion to the services provided by each lawyer, or by written agreement with the client in cases where each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the representation. The client also must be fully advised of any association and fee arrangement.

Consequently, we encourage open discussion about referral fees with counsel to ensure compliance with ethical requirements as well as fairness. The referral fee is dictated by the code of professional responsibility, the type of case and the working relationship involved. Each case is unique in this regard.