Rule 1.1 Competence. (a) A lawyer shall not intentionally, recklessly, with gross negligence, or repeatedly fail to perform legal services with competence.Both California contract law and tort law allow for legal action when a third party wrongfully interferes with a contract or ongoing business relationship. A departing attorney has an ethical obligation along with the existing firm to assure that clients are informed that the lawyer is leaving the firm. With an in-person meeting, it is also imperative to send out a rejection email or letter. Handling the Attorney-Client Relationship: Learn about the attorney-client relationship and the factors that may necessitate termination. Breakdown in the attorneyclient relationship that made further representation impossible. An attorney who resides in. California courts have long recognized causes of action for tortious interference with contract and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage.