---
title: "Build the matter and know-how handover when a solicitor leaves"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/build-the-matter-and-know-how-handover-when-a-solicitor-leaves"
type: "task"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "KM-MA20261022-3"
practice_area: "Knowledge Management"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Build the matter and know-how handover when a solicitor leaves

> From the practice's matter list and the solicitor's know-how index, copy matter name, current step, where the working papers are, and which precedents that solicitor maintained.…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/build-the-matter-and-know-how-handover-when-a-solicitor-leaves  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Knowledge Management](https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the practice's matter list and the solicitor's know-how index, copy matter name, current step, where the working papers are, and which precedents that solicitor maintained. Do not copy client documents, contact lists or file contents into the handover. |
| What the lawyer must review | The lawyer settles the handover. The Law Society of NSW protocol of November 2025 says the client chooses who acts, the retainer is with the practice unless otherwise specified, and the departing solicitor cannot take or copy client files, digital copies or client lists without the practice's agreement and the client's authority. Know-how that is client confidential information stays under rule 9. The practice tells a client the departing solicitor's new details only if the solicitor has given those details and consented to them being given on request. The lawyer writes any client communication. |
| Written for / versions | 1 jurisdiction versions below |

## Checking plan

**Source-by-source verification**

Trace relied-on content to independent sources and check for relevant material the output has missed.

- What the AI does: From the practice's matter list and the solicitor's know-how index, copy matter name, current step, where the working papers are, and which precedents that solicitor maintained. Do not copy client documents, contact lists or file contents into the handover.
- What the lawyer does: The lawyer settles the handover. The Law Society of NSW protocol of November 2025 says the client chooses who acts, the retainer is with the practice unless otherwise specified, and the departing solicitor cannot take or copy client files, digital copies or client lists without the practice's agreement and the client's authority. Know-how that is client confidential information stays under rule 9. The practice tells a client the departing solicitor's new details only if the solicitor has given those details and consented to them being given on request. The lawyer writes any client communication.
- Who reviews: Responsible lawyer with competence in the matter
- Basis: Practical workflow informed by the linked primary sources; the traffic light and working checks are editorial guidance, not a court classification.
- Why: The level reflects what the work is, the consequence of an error, and how much of the output the lawyer must independently re-derive.

## Checks the lawyer makes

1. The handover names the repository and the current step. It does not attach the file.
2. Precedents the solicitor maintained are assigned a new owner. They are not exported to the solicitor's new practice with the file.
3. Client contact details are not in the pack that leaves with the solicitor.
4. Any letter to the client is written by the practice, and it does not misstate why the solicitor left.

## Notes

- These are suggested working checks. Confirm the required checking with the responsible lawyer before work starts; the checking approach does not establish permission to use AI.

## Sources

- [Law Society of NSW: Guidance for solicitors when a solicitor leaves a legal practice (November 2025)](https://www.lawsociety.com.au/sites/default/files/2025-12/Guidance%20for%20Solicitors%20when%20a%20Solicitor%20Leaves%20a%20Legal%20Practice_0.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2015 (WA) rule 9](https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/wa/consol_reg/lpulascr2015658/s9.html) (checked 2026-10-22)

## Jurisdiction versions

| Jurisdiction | Level |
| --- | --- |
| [United States](https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/build-the-matter-and-know-how-handover-when-a-solicitor-leaves/united-states.md) | Yellow |

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*