Accountant:
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Discuss change in the structure of the firm and obtain appropriate tax advice.
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Establish schedule for preparation of financial statements, reconciliation.
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Discuss notifications to federal and state agencies if necessary.
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Discuss partner's retirement benefits, if any.
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Advertising:
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Change any existing advertisements and legal industry directory listings when possible.
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Banking - Firm Accounts:
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Notify banker of change in partnership structure.
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Establish who will retain check-writing authority.
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Banking - Trust Accounts:
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Prepare final reconciliation of departing partner’s trust account activity.
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Banking - Lenders:
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Cancel law firm credit cards held by departing partner, effective immediately.
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Bar Associations:
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Departing partner should notify local, state, and specialty bars of the change and provide new mailing address and other pertinent information.
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Courts/Active Cases:
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Notify Courts. Notify judges and file appropriate documents to withdraw from cases if necessary.
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Notify opposing counsel where partner is not remaining on the case.
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Files:
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Implement final disposition of client files.
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Insurance:
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Consider conversion options for health, life, and disability insurance.
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Mail and Messengers:
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Determine how departing partner’s mail will be handled. Who will forward mail? For how long? [Note: Post Office will not allow individual forwarding addresses.]
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Marketing:
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Change Web site and any other marketing activities.
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Mediation or Arbitration:
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Mediation or arbitration should be considered if the parties are unable to resolve issues.
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Personnel:
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Notice to Employees. All employees should receive a formal notice of partner’s departure.
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Telecommunications:
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Cancel departing partner’s telephone calling cards effective immediately.
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Determine what callers will be told about the departure of the partner.
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