Can a lawyer in Georgia restrict their practice after leaving a firm?

In Georgia, a lawyer cannot impose restrictions on their right to practice law after leaving a firm. This principle is grounded in the belief that the free practice of law serves both the public interest and the professional integrity of the legal system. Any attempt to limit a lawyer's ability to practice, particularly after separation from a firm, undermines access to legal services for clients who may benefit from their expertise.

This rationale is consistent with the ethical obligations that lawyers have to uphold their clients' rights to choose their legal representation freely. Such restrictions could create potential conflicts of interest and inhibit clients from obtaining the best representation available. Furthermore, restrictions that are deemed unreasonable can also violate the rules of professional conduct that govern lawyers' behavior in Georgia.

In contrast, the other options suggest possibilities that do not align with the established ethical guidelines in Georgia. Allowing attorneys to have agreements restricting their future practice would jeopardize the autonomy of clients and alter the openness with which the legal profession operates. Hence, the prohibition on such restrictions is intended to ensure that legal practitioners remain accessible and that clients have the freedom to select their representatives without undue limitations after a lawyer has departed from a firm.