Under what condition may a lawyer accept property as payment for legal fees?

A lawyer may accept property as payment for legal fees under the condition that the arrangement does not involve a proprietary interest in the cause of action. This principle is rooted in the ethical considerations that govern the attorney-client relationship.

Accepting a proprietary interest in the cause of action can create a conflict of interest or jeopardize the client's ability to make independent decisions regarding their case. It can lead to situations where the lawyer's financial incentives could compromise their duty to act in the best interest of the client. By ensuring that a lawyer does not take a proprietary interest in the cause of action, the integrity of the legal representation is preserved.

While the other conditions mentioned might seem relevant in certain contexts, they do not specifically address the primary ethical concern related to accepting property in lieu of fees. For instance, the market value of the property or risks associated with the arrangement may be considerations in some agreements, but they do not fundamentally impact the ethical standing related to accepting property that conflicts with the lawyer's role in representing the client. Thus, option B is the key principle that governs the acceptance of property as a form of payment for legal fees.