Navigating Rule 1.3, Comment 5 to develop an attorney succession plan

Sole Speak

By Glenn E. Heilizer

Glenn E. Heilizer of Heilizer Law Offices is a veteran litigator and sole practitioner based in Chicago. He handles commercial disputes in the federal, state and appellate courts in Illinois and Wisconsin. He welcomes all comments and may be reached at glenn@heilizer.com.

Posted December 17, 2014 2:43 PM

To prevent neglect of client matters in the event of a sole practitioner’s death or disability, the duty of diligence may require that each sole practitioner prepare a plan, in conformity with applicable rules, that designates another competent lawyer to review client files, notify each client of the lawyer’s death or disability and determine whether there is a need for immediate protective action. — Illinois Supreme Court Rule 776, Appointment of Receiver in Certain Cases. Illinois Rules of Professional …

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