American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education in collaboration with the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers will present the webcast "Plan for the Expected or Unexpected: A Guide to Ethically Closing a Law Practice" on Friday, February 17, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Closing a legal practice is an arduous task regardless of the circumstances but the process can be made infinitely easier with advance planning
This session will teach lawyers, especially solo and small firm lawyers, about what is needed and what to expect when closing a law office. This information will be particularly helpful to lawyers who are 50 years or older.
Pre-planning for the eventuality of retirement, unexpected illness or the inability to practice will be discussed, as well as the procedures necessary once it is determined the office must be closed. The webcast panelists will also discuss the procedures necessary when the attorney is unable to close his or her own practice, and a surrogate or conservator is appointed. The panelists will also cover:
- Ethics of closing a law practice:
• A duty to your clients to ensure the client is properly represented.
• A duty to yourself as a lawyer to make the succession practice as simple as possible.
• A duty to your family to ensure that a plan is in place in case of emergency, death, or unexpected termination of practice.
• A duty to the Bar of your state, as set out in the admission and disciplinary rules of each jurisdiction.
• When and how to plan to close an office on your own terms.
• What happens when there is no succession plan in place?
• Practical tips on implementing a plan, closing an office without a plan, and the duties and responsibilities of the attorney surrogate or conservator.
The target audience will be solo or small firm lawyers looking to retire, or planning for the worst-case scenario if the attorney's practice is affected by health issues, disability, death, or involuntary termination of the practice. It will also aid those assisting fellow lawyers who are voluntarily or involuntarily closing their practice.
All registrants will receive a set of downloadable course materials to accompany the program.
Cost for the webcast is $249. To register, visit www.ali-cle.org.