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Reprinted as adopted by the
Administrative Board of the Courts:
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:
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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