Leaving a biglaw shop at end of the year. A client that I've worked with, and who has liked my work, reached out to me (a senior associate, copying all clients but copying no partners or other personnel from my firm) to ask if I could handle a new matter. They asked for a conflicts check and what my billable rate might be in the new year. I'm departing to a new, much smaller firm which will most likely have a much lower rate.

How do you approach this? Alert the typical partners?

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Are you asking if it’s ok to try and take them with you to the new firm? If so, it’s business, you’re allowed. Especially at a smaller firm at a lower rate, you might not even really be “competing”, but you could probably get their smaller less complicated matters. I wouldn’t respond from your firm email but maybe talk to them on the phone about excited you are about the new gig and be able to bring in clients at a lower price point.

If you’re not trying to take them with you, yeah, just loop in some partners to handle. I assume you’ve given notice and just finishing out your two weeks?

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Id call the client from a non work phone and let him know you are leaving firm and see what he/she wants to do and if they'd want you to still handle but as part of new firm.

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I agree with the previous comments. Just wanted to say kudos and go get ‘em !

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You should tell the client you will discuss this when you are at the new firm. Don’t appear to be taking business from your current firm while still there.

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