Introduction

This is the second article in a two-part primer on the core ethical and practical considerations as attorneys move their practices from one firm to another. The first article in this series outlined the basics of the departure process, focusing on three rules of the road: clients chose their counsel and get to elect whether to stay at the firm or migrate with the departing lawyer; absent unusual circumstances, a departing lawyer should notify their firm about their intended departure before telling clients; and it is best to notify clients in writing, ideally in an agreed “election letter” sent in coordination between the attorney and firm.