How does it work when you lateral and bring clients with you? Did you ask the clients before you left if they want to follow you? Have their file transferred?

Before I left my old firm, I emailed my clients, notified them I was leaving and where I was going, and let them know their options for representation (stay with firm, follow me, find a totally new firm). Said that I had enjoyed working with them and would appreciate the opportunity to help them in the future, and that I’d reach out once I got settled so that they had my contact info. Once I moved, I emailed them all again to check in and let them know that if they were interested in continuing to be represented by me, to reach out and we would arrange for the file transfer. For larger clients I arranged an in person meeting to have the discussion. It worked about great and nearly all of my clients came with me. Edited to add: Also had my new firm do a preliminary conflicts screening for all my clients to ensure there weren’t going to be problems there.

I don't believe you *can* ask them to go with you. Might be wrong but I think actively stealing clients when you plan to leave is a nono. Like was said before you can let them know you're leaving and give them the choices available.

You don’t expressly formally ask them per se. You let them know you’re moving to a new firm, that you’re still doing the same type of work, etc and schedule a call to discuss next steps. If you’re going some place reputable and the client (e.g the in-house lawyer who you coordinate with) likes you, the client will go with you.

Check your bar rules. I believe in Florida, you are supposed to do a joint letter and aren’t allowed to solicit them before you leave. I only moved once and it was to go in house, so I only know this vicariously and may not be exactly right.

My old firm had a joint election letter that we sent to my clients.

Additional question - does anything change if you have an upcoming court date with the client that is scheduled after your last day at the current firm?