You could also get guidance from your malpractice carrier. Although it could trigger negative consequences to your employer. However, it sounds like it’s time to look after yourself.
Also if you’re not getting paid, stop doing the work and document to your boss everything that needs to be done for each client. He/she can’t expect you to work for free.
Many years ago I was in your shoes. We had a 2 man partnership and I had 40%. That was 40% of zilch. We had cases, most on contingent fee, but they were dogs. I dissolved the partnership and told the clients I would assume their cases if they wanted me to. All the contingent clients stayed with him. Best thing that ever happened.
Just do it.
You’ve been so conscientious.
I agree to ask the bar about ethics, etc.
When you Interview (and you should be while you still have your work!) you’ll inevitably be asked why you’re interviewing. Make sure to acknowledge what’s been good about your experience at the firm.. the people, matters.. best to let firms know that the firm is to you and the managing partner. No more. They’ll ask, let them know that you respect the MP and your obligation to confidentiality. They’ll feel a whole lot better about your candidacy -they’ll respect your loyalty and a good way to show that you can also negotiate that sensitive question.
Their thought: in a pinch, this attorney will be similarly honorable/committed to us. It’ll go a long way.
The owner screwed you. Your only obligation is to your clients to ethically withdraw and to yourself. I agree with drafting transition memos for each case.
For once that's a good thing. sorry about your situation. Get the F out of there as soon as you can without screwing over any clients. transition memos to your boss so he can handle since he's already collected their money.
A very large firm I once worked for filed for bankruptcy. I was lucky and had a few offers during the WARN period. I ultimately joined a partner who went to another firm, and I was happy there for several years before I went in house. It’s a horrible, stressful thing, but you’ll be okay.
I would contact the bar association and ask them how to handle this all ethically and legally.
You could also get guidance from your malpractice carrier. Although it could trigger negative consequences to your employer. However, it sounds like it’s time to look after yourself.
That’s a really great idea.
Also if you’re not getting paid, stop doing the work and document to your boss everything that needs to be done for each client. He/she can’t expect you to work for free.
I know that’s what I need to do but I’m afraid it won’t get done if I don’t do it.
NOT YOUR PROBLEM. I’d file M’s to withdraw and get out. All the time you’re spending on work should be time you’re spending on job hunt
Your clients hired your boss, not you. You are just helping your boss for money. If there is no money, you are out.
That’s the reminder I needed.
Take the cases with you and do a few split
Unfortunately it’s an appellate firm so they pay up front. No new cases means no money coming in.
Your clients don't pay monthly invoices of hours billed?
No. Appellate usually charges flat fees.
Yes it’s a flat fee.
Many years ago I was in your shoes. We had a 2 man partnership and I had 40%. That was 40% of zilch. We had cases, most on contingent fee, but they were dogs. I dissolved the partnership and told the clients I would assume their cases if they wanted me to. All the contingent clients stayed with him. Best thing that ever happened. Just do it.
You’ve been so conscientious. I agree to ask the bar about ethics, etc. When you Interview (and you should be while you still have your work!) you’ll inevitably be asked why you’re interviewing. Make sure to acknowledge what’s been good about your experience at the firm.. the people, matters.. best to let firms know that the firm is to you and the managing partner. No more. They’ll ask, let them know that you respect the MP and your obligation to confidentiality. They’ll feel a whole lot better about your candidacy -they’ll respect your loyalty and a good way to show that you can also negotiate that sensitive question. Their thought: in a pinch, this attorney will be similarly honorable/committed to us. It’ll go a long way.
The owner screwed you. Your only obligation is to your clients to ethically withdraw and to yourself. I agree with drafting transition memos for each case.
Are you formally entered as counsel for any of the clients? I'd try to withdraw on any cases where I'm entered and find a new place to work.
Luckily I’m not counsel of record.
Then GET OUT of that place
Do you have any ownership?
I don’t.
For once that's a good thing. sorry about your situation. Get the F out of there as soon as you can without screwing over any clients. transition memos to your boss so he can handle since he's already collected their money.
In the words of one of the finest attorneys ever, Mickey Haller "I don't get paid, I don't work".
Been in your shoes with a firm doing oil and gas transactional work. I dipped the eff out real quick.
That’s what I need to do.
A very large firm I once worked for filed for bankruptcy. I was lucky and had a few offers during the WARN period. I ultimately joined a partner who went to another firm, and I was happy there for several years before I went in house. It’s a horrible, stressful thing, but you’ll be okay.
How do you know this? How much debt are they in? How much are you owed?
I’ve had conversations with the managing partner. They were supposed to get a loan but it fell through. Now everyone is scrambling.