Partner Leaves Checklist

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