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Reprinted as adopted by the
Administrative Board of the Courts:
1. You are entitled to be
treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the
other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer’s office.
2. You are entitled to an
attorney capable of handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in
accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If you are not
satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you have the right to withdraw
from the attorney-client relationship at any time (court approval may be
required in some matters and your attorney may have a claim against you for the
value of services rendered to you up to the point of discharge).
3. You are entitled to your
lawyer’s independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised
by conflicts of interest.
4. You are entitled to be
charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the
fee will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing. You are entitled
to request and receive a written itemized bill from your attorney at reasonable
intervals. You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement that you find
unsatisfactory. In the event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek
arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary information
regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute, or upon your request.
5. You are entitled to have
your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your
telephone calls returned promptly.
6. You are entitled to be kept
informed as to the status of your matter and to request and receive copies of
papers. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you to participate
meaningfully in the development of your matter.
7. You are entitled to have
your legitimate objections respected by your attorney, including whether or not
to settle your matter (court approval of a settlement is required in some
matters).
8. You have the right to
privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and
confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.
9. You are entitled to have
your attorney conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Code
of Professional Responsibility.
10. You may not be refused
representation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, age, national origin or disability.
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