by Structured Settlement Watchdog®
In a July 22, 2015 still published article, John H. Fisher, a plaintiff's personal injury lawyer implies that it is OK for a licensed insurance broker or agent to commit an illegal act under New York state law. it's just preposterous. Here's what "John' says on Ultimateinjurylaw(dot)com, a website that Whois records say is registered to Fisher.
'Remember, the 4% commission payable to the settlement structured broker is negotiable. You may be able to cut the commission in half, but even if you can’t, you should always use a structured settlement broker who only represents the interests of injury victims' John H Fisher Plaintiff Lawyer, Kingston New York
In New York, a licensed insurance agent or broker, including a structured settlement broker or settlement planner, cannot rebate commissions or enlist the help of anyone to do, such as tying contributions to a trial lawyer association or use the "extra commission" to advertise " no cost qualified settlement funds" See Opinion of Office of General Counsel New York State Insurance Department September 24, 2007. Thus rebating of commissions is illegal under New York state insurance law. Indeed it is illegal under the laws of most states. However advisable, whether or not a plaintiff lawyer chooses to involve a structured settlement expert or settlement planner is their choice, surely the legal profession's canons of ethics do not permit lawyers to solicit and/or encourage others to commit or solicit illegal acts.