Discussion:Ethics question

Otherwise, the most ethical thing to do is to publish your picture in an ad that says "I'm here" and let them find you on their own.

They generally belong to the prior firm.

For example, here in CA, non-competes are unenforceable by statute. However non-solicitation agreements could be enforced, since customer lists would be considered a trade secret.

It would be very bad form to solicite clients that you got while you were working for the firm.

I feel differently about clients that you brought to the firm, unless you sold your book of business.

your prior employer did why can't you in my mind it is like stealing

Were you paid a wage by your previous employer?

Short story. When I switched firms one time very early in my career, I knew of a large client of the firm I left that was in transition. Fees were large, over $100,000. It was a big union, so union audit, health and welfare, etc etc.

The new firm I worked for also did unions. Was out on a job with one of the partners and we were at dinner and talking about my old firm and the partner was interested to know if there were any clients that might transition. I mentioned the one that I knew was in a leadership transition stage and once the new leadership came in, my od accounting firm had a chance to be tossed out the door <they weren't btw>. anyway, I had no non-compete or anything. What I told the partner was that that is not something I would do. He pressed me and so I asked him that if I left his firm would he want me to poach his clients or would he prefer I take the high road. What you would do to another, you would then do to another. I took the high road.

Now, when I did leave this firm eventually <went into private>, clients actually sought me out and asked me if I would continue doing their audit. I did take that client. But that was at their request.

I've had clients stolen from me (and I truly mean it) and I don't care for it, but there isn't much I can do about it. If a client chooses to leave for other reasons, that's different.

Tom

I had the same situation 3 years ago. I had recruited clients and serviced alot of them for 15 years. At that time, I thought it OK to send letters to a few people that said I was here but now I am somewhere else. I did this out of bitterness and a "Ill show you" attitude. What I have found is this - After the bitterness is gone, you will regret sending the letters. Many clients found me on their own without a letter and I feel no remorse about these. My former employers saw a letter(which at the time was my intention). I burnt a bridge that can never be rebuilt.

If I had it to do over again, I would never send the letters. By "word of mouth" advertising and getting your name out there, clients find you anyway and you feel no guilt later.