Working with Former Clients

1. Can I continue to work for current and former clients of my consulting business after I've accepted a job with the City?
   
   Answer: Generally, yes, so long as you do not use City paid time or facilities to conduct your private business.
   
   The Code also prohibits an employee from conducting City business with a current or former client for a year after the client relationship ends--that is, after the last work is completed or the last payment is made, whichever comes later.
   
   The Commission has defined "client" to include persons or firms from which you have received money or which you have hired. For example, you cannot oversee the work of your former employer within twelve months of having received your final paycheck from that employer. Similarly, if you received an honorarium for speaking at a meeting, the organization that paid the honorarium is your "client", and you must disqualify yourself from acting on official transactions which involve that organization until twelve months have passed from your receipt of the honorarium.

For the Ethics Code prohibition on working with former clients,
see SMC 4.16.070(1)(c) or contact the SEEC for advice.