Continuity and handover of representation client

gC83 In deciding whether to cease to act and to return existing instructions in accordance with Rule rC26, you should, where possible and subject to your overriding duty to the court, ensure that the client is not adversely affected because there is not enough time to engage other adequate legal assistance.

BSB Handbook · current · archived copy · official source ↗

13.1 A solicitor with designated responsibility for a client's matter must ensure completion of the legal services for that matter UNLESS [exceptions]... 14.1 ...upon completion or termination of the law practice's engagement: the client or former client... is given any client documents... as soon as reasonably possible when requested to do so by the client, unless there is an effective lien.

Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules · 2015 (June 2026 compilation) · archived copy · official source ↗

A barrister who wishes to return a brief which the barrister is permitted to return must do so in enough time to give another legal practitioner a proper opportunity to take over the case. ... A barrister must not hand over a brief to another barrister to conduct the case, or any court appearance within the case, unless the instructing solicitor has consented to that course.

Legal Profession Uniform Conduct (Barristers) Rules · 2015 (as amended 14 May 2025) · archived copy · official source ↗

When a file is being transferred, solicitors should be mindful of their obligation to retain a copy of the file for, at a minimum, the relevant statutory periods... Once the fees and outlay of a solicitor have been paid, the file belongs to the client.

Solicitor's Guide to Professional Conduct (Law Society of Ireland) · 4th ed. (2022) · archived copy · official source ↗

they must in any event return that brief in sufficient time to allow another Barrister to be engaged and to prepare the case.

Code of Conduct for the Bar of Ireland · 2024 · archived copy · official source ↗

[shall not do so until he has taken reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable prejudice ... including-] (i) giving due notice; (ii) allowing time for employment of another Attorney; (iii) delivering to the client all documents and property to which he is entitled;

Legal Profession (Canons of Professional Ethics) Rules · 1978 (principal) · archived copy · official source ↗

On the termination of a retainer, a member must account to the client for any money still held on behalf of the client and if so requested deliver to the client all papers or property to which the client is entitled, or otherwise held to the client's order.

Law Society of Jersey Code of Conduct · 1 January 2017 · archived copy · official source ↗

3.7-8 When a lawyer withdraws, the lawyer shall try to minimize expense and avoid prejudice to the client and shall do all that can reasonably be done to facilitate the orderly transfer of the matter to the successor legal practitioner. [3.7-9 sets out delivery of papers/property and cooperation with the successor legal practitioner.]

Law Society of Ontario — Rules of Professional Conduct · current · archived copy · official source ↗

When a lawyer withdraws, the lawyer must try to minimize expense and avoid prejudice to the client and must do all that can reasonably be done to facilitate the orderly transfer of the matter to the successor lawyer.

Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia (BC Code) · 2017 · archived copy · official source ↗

A lawyer who terminates a retainer must give reasonable assistance to the client to find another lawyer. ... Subject to the former lawyer's legal right to a lien, the interests of the client must be foremost in facilitating the transfer of the client's documents and records.

Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 · SR 2008/214 · archived copy · official source ↗

You must not cease to act for clients without just cause and without giving reasonable notice, or in a manner which would prejudice the course of justice.

Law Society of Scotland — Practice Rules 2011, Rule B1 (Standards of Conduct) · 2011 · archived copy · official source ↗

26 Completion of retainer and withdrawal from representation

Legal Profession (Professional Conduct) Rules 2015 · 2015 · archived copy · official source ↗

On termination a solicitor should, subject to any lien, promptly deliver to the client or his new solicitor all papers and property to which the client is entitled or hold them to his order and account for all funds of the client then held by the solicitor.

Hong Kong Solicitors' Guide to Professional Conduct (Volume 1) · current · archived copy · official source ↗

A practising barrister must inform the person instructing him in the matter as soon as there is an appreciable risk that he may not be able to undertake a brief which he has accepted; and he must in any event return that brief in sufficient time to allow for another barrister to be engaged and to master the brief.

Code of Conduct of the Bar of the Hong Kong SAR · 2018 · archived copy · official source ↗