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                                         111 N.J.L.J. 488
                                        May 12, 1983

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court

OPINION 517

Group Legal Services Legal
and Medical Plan [Elk Grove, Ill.]

    A profit corporation of another state is soliciting lawyers [and Members of the medical and other professions] to enroll in a plan whereby the availability of legal services [both free consultations and at specific rates and fees] is circulated among the individuals or families subscribing to the plan. Media advertising is excluded. The participating attorney pays nothing to join. As each enrollee of the plan is billed for services the attorney sends $1 to the plan for "... record keeping". The inducement to the enrollee is a "30% reduction". The lawyer is solicited to join in order to "... add hundreds of new clients who need your help... " while "... living up to your professional oath of community services."
    Our committee is asked: Is this plan an approved referral plan pursuant to DR 2-103? If not, is it a violation of DR 2-103 for an attorney to participate in the plan?
    The fact is that the Legal Medical Plan, Inc. of 2300 East Higgins Road, Elk Grove, Illinois, is not an approved referral plan. For this purpose it must comply with DR 2-103(C), and be approved by a Bar Association, or comply with DR 2-103(D) (4); registration with and receipt of a number from the Supreme Court.

    This plan does not fit any of the categories provided for in DR 2-103(D).
    Since the plan is not approved as required by the Disciplinary Rules, it is improper for an attorney to participate in it. See our Opinion 481, 107 N.J.L.J. 393 (1981), Opinion 488, 108 N.J.L.J. 523 (1981) and Opinion 505, 110 N.J.L.J. 408 (1982).

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