LEO: Law Firm — Sale, LE Op. 956

 

    Law Firm — Sale.

 

    August 21, 1987

 

    It is not improper to sell the physical assets or leasehold of a law firm. It is improper to sell the firm name. [DR:2-101, DR:2-102; EC:2-5, EC:2-6, EC:2-13]

 

    It is improper to sell the good will of a law firm. [Canon 2]

 

    It is proper for an attorney to give notice to clients that a new attorney is taking over the law practice and to allow the clients to designate whether their files will be turned over to that attorney. [DR:2-108(D); EC:4-6]

 

    It is not proper to merely allow another attorney to retain the closed files. Proper communication should be made to the client, including recommendations based upon the contents of a file and the subject matter of the representation, so that the client may properly direct the disposition of the files. [DR:2-108(D); EC:4-6]

 

    It is not proper for an attorney to associate someone with his law firm for the purpose of transferring files without making disclosure to the clients. [DR:1-102(A)(4), DR:2-102(A) and (B)]

 

    It is proper to advise the Virginia State Bar of an attorney's change of address; however, the bar cannot serve as a referral system.

 

    Committee Opinion August 21, 1987

 

    CROSS REFERENCES

 

    See also LE Op. 1234, and LE Op. 1307

 

LEO: Law Firm - Sale, LE Op. 956 (1987)