In a perfect world, law firms would always continue to grow and there would never be a need to reduce attorney or staff head count. However, with the changing market for legal services, many law firms have been forced to downsize in order to maintain the financial health of the firm.

When downsizing becomes necessary, it can be an extremely difficult and emotional process. However, a messy breakup benefits no one. Law firms can instead invest the time and resources to help ensure a smooth transition for the departing attorneys and staff.

Although transitions may occur in different ways, they generally involve similar concerns relating to ethics compliance and claims avoidance. Most law firms considering downsizing, therefore, will consider how to address the professional, ethical and legal obligations owed to clients, courts, and the bar. This is true whether the transition involves an entire practice group of attorneys, individual partners and associates, or nonattorney staff.