Statement of Client's Responsibilities
Reciptocal trust, courtesy, and respect are the hallmarks of the attorney-client
relationship. Within that relationship, the client looks to the attorney
for expertise, education, sound judgment, protection advocacy and
representation. These expectations can be achieved only if the client
fulfills the following responsibilities.
1. The client is expected to treat the lawyer and the lawyer's staff with
courtesy and consideration.
2. The client's relationship with the lawyer must be one of complete candor
and the lawyer must be apprised of all facts or circumstances of the matter
being handled by the lawyer even if the client believes that those facts may be
detrimental to the client's case or unflattering to the client.
3. The client must honor the fee arrangement as agreed to with the lawyer, in
accordance with the law.
4 .All bills for services rendered which are tendered to the client pursuant
to the agreed upon fee arrangement should be paid promptly.
5. The client may withdraw from the attorney-client relationship, subject to
financial commitments under the agreed to fee arrangement, and, in certain
circumstances, subject to court approval.
6. Although the client should expect that his or her correspondence,
telephone calls and other communications will be answered within a reasonable
time frame, the client should recognize that the lawyer has other clients
equally demanding of the lawyer's time and attention.
7. The client should maintain contact with the lawyer, promptly notify the
lawyer of any change in telephone number or address and respond promptly to a
request by the lawyer for information and cooperation.
8. The client must realize that the lawyer need respect only legitimate
objectives of the client and that of the lawyer for information and cooperation.
9. The lawyer may be unable to accept a case if the lawyer has previous
professional commitments which result in inadequate time being available for the
proper representation of a new client.
10. A lawyer is under no obligation to accept a client if the lawyer
determines that the cause of the client is without merit, a conflict of interest
would exist or that a suitable working relationship with the client is not
likely.
