Legal Ethics: Obligations of Lawyers and Law Firms When A Lawyer Decides to Change Jobs
June 30, 2020
This program will be of interest to all lawyers and particularly useful for members of the executive committee of a law firm, general counsel, partners, and associates in private practice. Those involved in law firm management are already keenly aware of the complexities of correctly handling attorney departures and transitions in client relationships. Whether considering a lateral move to another law firm or to take an in-house counsel position, everyone can benefit from the discussion of key aspects of how to correctly make a lateral move and some cautionary tales of mistakes to avoid. The program will consider how the rules of professional conduct affect decisions of lawyers (partners and non-partners) to leave law firms and the responses of those firms. A major focus will be on the ethical ramifications of communications with clients, handling conflicts of interest, and preserving client confidentiality. The panelists also will discuss the recent Formal Ethics Opinion 489, which addresses notice requirements and the law firm’s obligation to ensure an orderly transition of client matters.
Panelists:
- Keith R. Fisher (moderator), National Center for State Courts, Arlington, VA
- Erin K. Higgins, Conn Kavanaugh, Boston, MA
- Carol A. Needham, St. Louis University School of Law, St. Louis, MO
Members of the Business Law Section may access the audio, program materials, and video from this program. Log in using your email address. CLE credit is only available to those attending the live programs.