Whiteside v. Griffis & Griffis, P.C.

JONES, Justice.

Attorney Tom Whiteside, appellant, sued his former law firm, Griffis & Griffis, P.C., its various successors, and individual shareholders (collectively “Griffis Firm” or “Firm”), 1 appellees, to recover payment of a “goodwill factor” following his departure from the Firm. On cross-motions for summary judgment, the trial court determined that the contractual provision providing for the payment of goodwill to a departing shareholder violated the Texas Code of Professional Responsibility because it contained a condition restricting the shareholder’s right to practice law. Texas…