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Reciprocal 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:
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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 cause or
unflattering to the client.
3. The client must honor the fee arrangement as
agreed to with the lawyer, in accordance with
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 the lawyer will not advocate or propose
positions which are unprofessional or contrary
to law or the Lawyer’s Code of Professional
Responsibility.
9. The lawyer may be unable to accept a case if
the lawyer has previous professional commitments
which will 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.
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