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You need to learn the difference between a non-solicit agreement and a non-compete.
Non-compete = you cannot be in the BUSINESS for a period of time, or within a certain geographical area.
Non-solicit = you cannot solicit your past clients to do business with you for a period of time to follow you to your new firm.
If the client solicits YOU, you're okay.
I think you have a duty to let your clients know where you are and to give them the choice of who to work with. If you haven't left yet, I'd contact someone within your current firm that you're on good terms with that you could recommend at the firm for future service... or they can contact you and move their account over.
You're not supposed to have a list of your clients names when you leave (wink, wink). I'd even consider getting a cheap cell-phone (hard to trace), call them to let them know what's happened and to refer them to your prior colleague or to meet with you to maintain their current relationship.
Non-compete = you cannot be in the BUSINESS for a period of time, or within a certain geographical area.
Non-solicit = you cannot solicit your past clients to do business with you for a period of time to follow you to your new firm.
If the client solicits YOU, you're okay.
I think you have a duty to let your clients know where you are and to give them the choice of who to work with. If you haven't left yet, I'd contact someone within your current firm that you're on good terms with that you could recommend at the firm for future service... or they can contact you and move their account over.
You're not supposed to have a list of your clients names when you leave (wink, wink). I'd even consider getting a cheap cell-phone (hard to trace), call them to let them know what's happened and to refer them to your prior colleague or to meet with you to maintain their current relationship.
