This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
This rule stops law firms from making agreements that limit a lawyer's ability to practice law in the future. For example, a law firm cannot make a lawyer sign a contract saying they can't work as a lawyer in the same city or area after they leave the firm. The only exception is for retirement benefits, where a firm can set rules about payments tied to a lawyer fully retiring from practice.
The rule also applies to settling lawsuits. When lawyers settle a case for a client, they cannot agree to terms that would stop the opposing lawyer from taking similar cases in the future. This might happen if one side tries to offer more settlement money in exchange for the other lawyer agreeing not to represent other clients with similar claims against them.
Both parts of this rule exist to protect people's ability to choose their own lawyer. If lawyers could be bought out of practicing or bargained away in settlements, it would become harder for the public to find experienced lawyers willing to take on certain cases. This rule keeps the legal market open and makes sure lawyers stay free to represent clients based on merit, not business deals made behind the scenes.
