Multidisciplinary Practice

Abstract

Multidisciplinary practice, the ability of lawyers engaged in the practice of law to combine and share profits with non-lawyers, is a reality in Europe and other countries, but the subject of much debate in the American Bar Association, American law schools, and law firms across the country. Currently, Rule 5.4 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, adopted by every state, prohibits lawyers from forming multi-disciplinary practice firms (MDPs). Dean Fischel of the University of Chicago School of Law argues that opposition to multidisciplinary practice is misguided. He maintains that the legal profession should welcome multidisciplinary practice as creating new opportunities and challenges for its members.