Attorney Referrals

At John J. Malm & Associates, we view client referrals as one of the highest professional compliments. We’re honored to be trusted by attorneys, law firms, and professionals throughout Illinois and across the country to handle serious injury cases on behalf of their clients.

Whether a matter falls outside your practice area or you need a trusted local partner in Illinois, we are here to help. With multiple office locations, including Naperville and St. Charles, we’re well-positioned to serve clients throughout the state.

Why Attorneys Refer Cases to Our Firm

Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases, many of which involve catastrophic injuries or complex litigation. These cases often demand substantial time, experience, and financial resources—requirements not every firm is equipped to meet. That’s where we come in.

We’re known for our:

• Extensive experience in high-stakes personal injury litigation
• Resources to fund expert witnesses, trial preparation, and complex discovery
• Proven results, with a strong track record of verdicts and settlements
• Collaborative approach that keeps referring attorneys informed and involved

When you refer a case to us, you can count on professional, ethical handling and the highest level of client service. We protect your relationship with the client, and we do everything we can to bring value to both the client and the referring lawyer.

Referral Fees and Co-Counsel Agreements

Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 permits lawyers to share fees under specific conditions. Our firm complies fully with all ethical requirements, including:

• The client provides informed, written consent to the fee-sharing arrangement
• The total fee is reasonable
• Fees are divided based on either proportional work or joint responsibility

We offer competitive referral fees and are flexible in structuring co-counsel arrangements. Whether you want to remain involved or refer the case entirely, we can tailor the relationship to fit your needs.

Practice Areas We Accept Referrals For

We welcome referrals and co-counsel opportunities in a wide range of personal injury matters, including:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
• Product Liability
• Dog Bites
• Premises Liability
• Medical Malpractice
• Birth Injuries
• Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries

If your client has been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re ready to help—and to fight for maximum compensation on their behalf.

What Sets Our Attorney Referral Relationships Apart

We partner with attorneys in a variety of ways:

• Full case referrals
• Litigation-only assistance
• Co-counsel on catastrophic injury matters
• Mentorship and joint case work for attorneys newer to personal injury
• Trial support for firms without the resources to go the distance

Many of our attorney partners tell us their cases significantly increase in value once we get involved—whether through better case development, access to experts, or our ability to take the case to trial when needed.

Ethical and Strategic Benefits of Referring

We understand that some attorneys hesitate to refer cases, but referrals are often the most ethical and client-centered option when:

• A case is outside your scope of practice
• You’re focused on other areas of law (e.g., family, criminal, business)
• You don’t have the bandwidth or trial experience
• You want to maximize the client’s recovery and minimize risk

Far from signaling inexperience, referring a case shows a commitment to the client’s best interests—and demonstrates your integrity and professionalism.

Attorney Referral FAQs

Can I receive a referral fee in Illinois if I’m not licensed in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois permits attorneys to share fees, so long as the client consents in writing and the total fee is reasonable.

Do I have to do work on the case to receive a fee?
Not necessarily. Illinois allows fee-sharing based on joint responsibility, even if you are not doing substantial work on the file.

Can non-lawyers receive referral fees?
No. Referral fees may only be paid to licensed attorneys under Illinois law.

Will it look bad to my client if I refer them?
No. Clients often appreciate that you are helping them access a firm with the focus and resources their case deserves. We always protect your relationship with the client.

Let’s Work Together

Whether you’re a solo practitioner, a large firm, or an attorney from out of state needing Illinois local counsel, we are here to help. Our team at John J. Malm & Associates is ready to evaluate your referral, ensure it meets our case criteria, and begin working toward a successful outcome.

Referring a personal injury case to our firm means your client is in excellent hands—and so are you.

Contact us today at 844-MALMLAW or send us a message to discuss how we can partner together.