🌍 Ethics & confidentiality

Client consent when delegating legal work to another lawyer

How to explain lawyer-to-lawyer delegation to clients, when consent may be needed, and what should be recorded.

AK
Aylin Korkmaz
· 5 min read
Client consent when delegating legal work to another lawyer

Clients usually understand why another lawyer may be needed. Problems arise when the client learns too late, receives unclear information, or cannot tell who remains responsible for the matter.

Explain the reason

Tell the client why another lawyer is being involved: local admission, court appearance, language, procedural knowledge, timing, or specialist experience. Specific reasons build confidence.

Clarify responsibility

State whether you remain the lead lawyer, whether local counsel acts for the client directly, and how communication will work. The client should not have to infer the structure from copied emails.

Discuss cost plainly

If the local lawyer charges a fee, explain who pays, who invoices, and whether the cost is separate from your own fee. LawyerGo does not process money, so the arrangement should be direct and written.

Record consent where needed

Jurisdictions and engagement terms differ. If consent is required or prudent, keep a simple written record covering the role, scope, confidentiality, and fee position.

Delegation should feel like better coverage for the client, not a surprise transfer of responsibility.

AK
Aylin Korkmaz
Corporate lawyer · Istanbul

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