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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:
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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