What must a lawyer do when selling their practice?

When a lawyer sells their practice, it is essential to provide written notice to the seller's clients. This requirement is rooted in the ethical obligations that lawyers owe to their clients, primarily the duty to keep clients informed and the duty of loyalty. Clients have the right to know that their attorney's practice is changing, which may affect the handling of their legal matters and the continuity of representation.

The notification allows clients to make informed decisions regarding their legal representation, including whether they wish to continue with the new attorney or seek representation elsewhere. This not only protects client interests but also ensures that the transition is handled transparently and ethically, minimizing potential disruptions.

In contrast, maintaining a private practice in the same area, selling the practice to any buyer, or notifying the local bar association does not sufficiently address the need for client awareness and consent during a practice sale. While there may be situational considerations related to those aspects, they do not fulfill the primary ethical obligation to communicate with clients directly about changes affecting their representation.