Strong

Kathleen Strong appeals from the judgment of dismissal entered after a demurrer to her complaint against Ali Beydoun and Edwin Craig Sheldon for attorney fees was sustained without leave to amend. Strong’s complaint sought recovery under the theories of quantum meruit and unjust enrichment for the reasonable value of legal services she rendered for Beydoun and Sheldon under a fee-sharing agreement with Attorney Bill Suojanen. Strong also sued for declaratory relief. The trial court found that rule 2-200 of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar (Rule 2-200) rendered the fee-sharing agreement unenforceable because the clients did not sign it; therefore, Strong was barred from recovering any form of compensation from them. Strong contends the trial court erred because the rule does not bar noncontractual causes of action. We agree that Strong cannot recover from the clients and affirm.

FACTS

Strong’s second amended complaint alleges that Suojanen was retained by Beydoun and Sheldon to represent them in their claims against Novell, Inc. Suojanen asked Strong to help him with the prosecution of certain cases, including the Novell case. Strong agreed to help, and…