From Practice to Purpose: Transition Planning for Experienced Attorneys 2026

Co-produced with the Senior Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin

A graceful exit

For many lawyers, the hardest professional decision to make isn’t starting or growing a practice. It’s deciding to step back from one. Years of client relationships, active matters, ethical obligations, and financial considerations can make the transition more complex than simply announcing retirement.

From Practice to Purpose: Transition Planning for Experienced Attorneys addresses the legal, financial, technological, and personal issues involved in winding down a practice or moving into a different professional role. You’ll also explore the human side of stepping away, including staying sharp and redefining professional identity after leaving day-to-day practice.

What you’ll learn:

• How attorneys in large firms, small firms, and solo practices approach the decision to transition out of active practice
• Methods for transferring client matters while protecting their interests and meeting professional obligations
• How to stay current with legal technology, including how to evaluate emerging tools such as artificial intelligence (AI)
• Key Social Security considerations, including benefit eligibility, timing, and application basics
• Ethical guidelines affecting transitions, including referral agreements, “of counsel” arrangements, limited-scope representation, and joint representation
• Strategies for preserving cognitive wellness and adapting to life after active practice

The next adventure

Whether you’re planning a full retirement or a new chapter, a well-built plan protects your clients, your reputation, and the work you’ve spent years building. From Practice to Purpose: Transition Planning for Experienced Attorneys helps you connect the dots between obligations and options, so your exit plan is as deliberate as your practice has been.