Hiring a lawyer, you have to obey certain rules under the retainer agreement that expresses the responsibilities you have to fulfill to complement the lawyer's efforts. The following are what these duties may include:
• To be honest with your lawyer
• To be cooperative and responsive to your lawyer
• To be obtainable to your lawyer if requested
• To be present at hearings as scheduled
• To pay lawful bills in timely manner
But your lawyer also has duties and responsibilities. There are codes of conduct, privileges, and ethics which your lawyer must follow while fulfilling his duties to you as a client.
The following are some of the basic ethical rules that your lawyer must follow:
1. He must represent you ethically, faithfully within the bounds of law.
2. He must capably analyze issues and exercise knowledge of the law appropriate to your case.
3. He must communicate to you properly and efficiently.
4. He must be faithful to his client. He cannot represent at the same time two clients with conflicting interests.
5. He is required to obey your directions in handling the case unless those directions are unlawful.
6. He is required to keep communications between the two of you confidential.
7. Lawyers are forbidden from having personal relationships with their clients.
8. Without your written consent, your lawyer is forbidden from taking on clients who is adverse to your interest.
Sanctions
If a client disobeys and makes rampant violations of his duties, then a lawyer terminates his services. But if the lawyer breaks the rules, the bar association where he belongs, can punish him. For serious violations, he may be disbarred or criminally charged. Besides, a client can also file a written complaint against a lawyer. This letter should contain the details of the lawyer's violations including the name, address, phone number, circumstances under which the lawyer was hired and a description of the problem.
Hiring the Right Lawyer
There are different working styles lawyers have. And some lawyers handle a wide range of matter while the others concentrate on their specializations.
You should know your issue or problem. This is important as it influences on finding the right lawyer for handling your case. First you have to determine your case and only then choose a lawyer. Thus, it may be easy to find an educated and experienced lawyer who can match your case.
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