Can I Sell My Practice?

April 30, 2025Can I Sell My Practice?Written by Gregory W. Sampson and Rebekah Steely BrookerShare this PostWith the undeniable graying of our profession, more lawyers are facing retirement and, for some less fortunate, an unplanned early termination of their practice by disability, death, or other circumstances. This leads lawyers and their families to ask whether …

The Succession Planning Toolkit, 2nd Edition

Succession Planning |Law Practice ManagementThe Succession Planning Toolkit, 2nd EditionWritten byThe Law Practice Management DepartmentNovember 25, 2024Share this PostThis Succession Planning Toolkit provides the information lawyers need to successfully plan an easy transition from the practice of law. It is divided into four chapters, or steps, from simple to more complex. Although the Toolkit is designed …

Sudden Cessation of Practice and Custodianships

Law Practice Management |Succession PlanningSudden Cessation of Practice and CustodianshipsWritten byThe Law Practice Management DepartmentNovember 20, 2024Share this PostTable of Contents TDRP 13 Custodian Guidance Client Files IOLTA Accounts Temporary Cessation Wrapping Up  Forms and Resources ⇚ Back The Mechanics of the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure, Part XIII Cessation of practice procedure rests primarily on …

Transition Planning

Law Practice Management |Succession PlanningTransition PlanningWritten byThe Law Practice Management DepartmentNovember 20, 2024Share this PostTable of Contents Overview Sales Overview FAQs Rules & Practice Tips Buyer & Seller Checklists Traditional Succession Methods  Closing Your Practice Dissolving the Professional Entity Forms and Resources ⇚ Back The goal of transition planning is to enable you to achieve what …

Designating a Custodian Attorney

Law Practice Management |Succession PlanningDesignating a Custodian AttorneyWritten byThe Law Practice Management DepartmentNovember 20, 2024Share this PostTable of Contents TDRP 13.04 Custodian’s Role Designation Portal Custodian Agreement Will & POA Text Checklist  Forms and Resources ⇚ Back Designating a custodian attorney is a great place to start. It is quick, easy, and immediately provides for transition …

File Management and Ensuring Password Access

Law Practice Management |Succession PlanningFile Management and Ensuring Password AccessWritten byThe Law Practice Management DepartmentNovember 20, 2024Share this PostTable of Contents Rules & Ethics Practice Tips Fee Agreement Language Closing Files Password Access Checklist  Sample Policy ⇚ Back Managing accrued closed files can be a daunting task if an attorney has not employed file management or …

Practice Tips on File Destruction

October 21, 2024Practice Tips on File DestructionShare this PostIntroduction In Texas, there is no bright line rule that states when a client file can be destroyed. Thes practice tips are based on the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the guidance provided in a few ethics opinions. Applicable Rules and Ethics Opinions Ensure that …

Checklist for Closing Your Own Practice Without a Successor

Checklist for Closing Your Own Practice Without a SuccessorIt is important to create a transition plan with a timeline for closing your practice when you do not intend to sell your practice or transfer it to a successor attorney or firm. The following checklist outlines some of the issues to address when creating your plan …

Alternative Fee Arrangements

Alternative Fee ArrangementsNotes: In addition to the legal ethics considerations listed in the table, see Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.04 regarding fees and Rule 5.04 regarding fee sharing. Other than a true nonrefundable retainer agreement, which are relatively rare, any fees paid to an attorney in any of the following fee arrangements …