Rule LLLT RPC 1.17 - SALE OF LAW PRACTICEAn LLLT, firm of LLLTs, or a law firm with which one or more LLLTs are associated may sell or purchase a law practice, or an area of law practice, including good will, if the following conditions are satisfied:
(b) The entire practice, or the entire area of practice, is sold to one or more LLLTs, lawyers, LLLT firms or law firms;(c) The seller gives written notice to each of the seller's clients regarding: (2) the client's right to retain a lawyer or another LLLT or to take possession of the file; and(3) the fact that the client's consent to the transfer of the client's files will be presumed if the client does not take any action or does not otherwise object within ninety (90) days of receipt of the notice. If a client cannot be given notice, the representation of that client may be transferred to the purchaser only upon entry of an order so authorizing by a court having jurisdiction. The seller may disclose to the court in camera information relating to there presentation only to the extent necessary to obtain an order authorizing the transfer of a file.(d) The fees charged clients shall not be increased by reason of the sale.Wash. R. Limi. Lic. Leg. Tech. Pro. Cond. LLLT RPC 1.17
Comment
[1] This Rule was adapted from Lawyer RPC 1.17 with no substantive changes except to reflect that an LLLT may practice in the same firm with one or more lawyers. Otherwise, this Rule applies to LLLTs analogously.
[2] A law firm consisting solely of LLLT owners is not authorized to purchase a law practice that includes client matters requiring provision of legal services outside the authorized LLLT scope of practice or defined practice area(s). See APR 28 and related regulations.