Canadian Lawyer

w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 23 a judge, work as a lawyer immediately comes to a stop. What makes the transi- tion easier is when the clients are already familiar with another lawyer who can easily step into the shoes of the departing lawyer. There are opportunities for the firm to re-visit the client with a plan, Fur- long points out. "I think that's just essen- tial because not only does that provide the client with due consideration and thoughtfulness but assures the client: 'Your interest here is important to us.'" From the business perspective, succes- sion protocol and policies could assist when a lawyer leaves for another firm, observes Furlong. "The question that always comes up is what is this lawyer's book of business," which is code for how many clients he'll take with him and what the financial impact will be on the firm. The larger that lawyer's client base, the larger the exposure for the firm. "Then the firm is not part of that relationship and that's a vulnerability that you don't want to risk." No matter what the size of the firm, the client is key, echoes California legal consultant Ed Poll. A contingency plan to deal with the practice in the event of an emergency doesn't necessarily lend itself to a full transition, he says. Often, it is just a stop- gap measure to temporarily cover the firm in the event of an emergency and there is no plan to transition the clients to someone knowledgeable with their file or prepared to take over the entire practice, says Poll. "The consequence for the client is that the strategy of the lawyer in deal- ing with the client issues is known to the lawyer but not anybody else. "I think the lawyer needs to bring the client into the conversation." And, really, he says, planning for the future will help both the lawyer and the lawyer's family. Without a plan, says Poll, "What happens is chaos." Mathers is happy she's found a good match and can look forward to transi- tioning into retirement at her own speed. Mayeski figures her move into the com- munity was made easier through the knowledge Mathers dispensed and the introductions she made. "We've had great success with our relationship in working together and also our relationship with the community and being able to give back. It's a nice change from Bay Street, where I came from, to be able to be part of a community and to be known," con- cludes Mayeski. [INVOLVING THE CLIENT IS] JUST ESSENTIAL BECAUSE NOT ONLY DOES THAT PROVIDE THE CLIENT WITH DUE CONSIDERATION AND THOUGHTFULNESS BUT ASSURES THE CLIENT: 'YOUR INTEREST HERE IS IMPORTANT TO US.' A complete guide to legal procedures connected to social services "The authors set out clearly the necessity for collaboration between social workers and lawyers to promote social justice and collective advocacy to improve the lives of their clients." Judith M. Dunlop, Ph.D., RSW, Professor Emerita, School of Social Work, Kings University College at Western University Get an expanded and updated review of the case law and legislative and social research developments that could impact your clients in matters involving family law, criminal law, poverty law, and elder law. Law for Social Workers, 5th Edition allows you to quickly identify the legal principles and frameworks applicable to these areas, ensuring your clients receive the best advice. Trial procedures and rules of evidence relevant to social workers and their clients are also examined in this overview. View what's new in this edition at: www.carswell.com/social-workers-law New Edition Law for Social Workers, 5th Edition Rachel Birnbaum, Ph.D., RSW, LL.M., and Janet E. Mosher, B.Mus.A., LL.B., LL.M. Order # 987315-65203 $120 Softcover approx. 520 pages October 2016 978-0-7798-7315-9 Multiple copy discounts available. Shipping and handling are extra. Price(s) subject to change without notice and subject to applicable taxes. Available risk-free for 30 days Order online: www.carswell.com Call Toll-Free: 1-800-387-5164 In Toronto: 416-609-3800 "The authors set out clearly the necessity for collaboration between social workers and lawyers to promote social justice and collective advocacy to improve the lives of their clients." Judith M. Dunlop, Ph.D., RSW, Professor Emerita, School of Social Work, Kings University College at Western University © 2016 Thomson Reuters Canada Limited 00241BX-A85059-RM

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