Who Are You Picking Up? — Can Uber Guest Rides Help Attorneys Transport Clients?

By Michael Abdan, Esq.

Clients often find visiting a lawyer stressful, from gathering paperwork, navigating to the lawyer’s office, and finding a parking space — all typically during a short lunch break when their time is limited. But imagine the ease of having an Uber driver deliver clients right to your door. While Uber may cost $20 a ride, it may be worth the $4,500 retainer.

Do Uber guest rides offer attorneys the option of bringing their clients to them? What are the lawyer’s ethics to consider? Many states prohibit lawyers from providing Ubers to clients as it is deemed a form of subsidizing living expenses, which is against professional conduct. Check with your local and state bar associations to determine what is permitted in your state.

Uber for Lawyers: Convenient and Cashless

When your client is preoccupied with their case, they may find getting to court or visiting your office stressful, difficult due to injuries, or impossible with no vehicle available to them after an accident. Seamless rideshares can take some stress out of their legal journey.

You can use Uber for Business to transport your clients to a medical appointment or hearing if they are injured, unable to drive, don’t have a car, or if their vehicle is damaged from an accident. You could also include Uber in your initial consultation package. With Uber, you can order a car for your client with an app instead of waving down a taxi on the street, calling and waiting for a car service, or letting them drive.