South Carolina § 40-5-360 - Splitting fees with lay persons unlawful.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-5-360 — Splitting fees with lay persons unlawful., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-5-360. Splitting fees with lay persons unlawful.
It is unlawful for a person, partnership, corporation, or association to divide with or receive from, or to agree to divide with or receive from, an attorney or group of attorneys, whether practicing in this State or elsewhere, any portion of a fee or compensation charged or received by an attorney or any valuable consideration or reward as an inducement for placing or in consideration of having placed in the hands of an attorney, or in the hands of another person a claim or demand of any kind for the purpose of collecting the claim or bringing an action on the claim or of representing the claimant in the pursuit of any civil remedy for the recovery of the claim. This section does not apply to an agreement between attorneys to divide between themselves the compensation to be received.
A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 56-146; 1952 Code SECTION 56-146; 1946 (44) 2575; 1993 Act No. 184 SECTION 226.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 40-5-360
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-5-360 cover?
Section 40-5-360 ("Splitting fees with lay persons unlawful.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 40-5-360?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-5-360" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 40-5-360 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.