Discount coupons, that staple of the supermarkets, came to the web with Groupon. A South Carolina bar ethics opinion says it appears to be OK - but cautions about retention of unearned fees and the possibility that one may have to refund the money paid to the consumer.
Other concerns that occur to me are that a client may incorrectly conclude that she has retained a lawyer when she pays the Groupon fee, and that the "discount" may be inadequately disclosed. Is it for an initial consultation? Or does it promise a reduced hourly rate for all future work? - GWC
SCBar // Ethics Advisory Opinion View: "Question
Does a lawyer violate the Rules of Professional Conduct by contracting with a website to offer vouchers that can be purchased from the website and then subsequently redeemed for discounted legal services such as the preparation of wills?
Does a lawyer violate the Rules of Professional Conduct by contracting with a website to offer vouchers that can be purchased from the website and then subsequently redeemed for discounted legal services such as the preparation of wills?
The use of “daily deal” websites to sell vouchers to be redeemed for discounted legal services does not violate the Rule 5.4(a) prohibition on sharing of legal fees, but the attorney is cautioned that the use of such websites must be in compliance with Rules 7.1 and 7.2 and could lead to violations of several other rules if logistical issues are not appropriately addressed."
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