Client contact.

The April 30 article concerning new Rule 4-5.8 was interesting. Board member Greg Parker's comments justifying the rule are somewhat off base.

Clients don't "belong" to law firms. Law firms belong to the client. A rule that prohibits the departing lawyer from advising the client that the individual, who has handled their matter, probably knows more about the matter than anyone else, and with whom the client has reposed trust and confidence, may no longer be handling the case is ill conceived and a disservice to clients.

The most critical information for a client is who is responsible for their matter. The rule as drafted has the potential to cause harm to the client. Early and timely notice of such a change should be encouraged so the client is not put at a disadvantage or at risk.

A better approach would be for...