Facilitate a Smooth Transition Through Clear Communication
Departures can be thorny. Communication between the firm and the departing partner, the departing partner and impacted clients, and the firm and those same clients is key to ensuring the transition goes as smoothly as possible. Partners have a fiduciary duty to notify the firm of their impending departure before discussing it with clients. “Ideally, the firm and the departing partner collaborate in notifying clients, soon after the partner’s notice to the firm,” Duval says, “and request guidance as to whether the client wants to remain with the firm or follow the partner.”
