(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 objectives 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, age, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
|