WHAT MAKES A GOOD ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Home › Legal Resources › Articles › What Makes a Good Aattorney-Clint Relationship

When faced with a legal problem, an individual may best be served by seeking the advice of an attorney. An attorney is educated and trained in the intricacies of the legal system to assure that the individual receives the benefit of all his or her legal rights. The attorney and client need to be able to work together to achieve the best possible results for the client. In an effort to promote good attorney-client relationships, the Cincinnati Bar Association suggests the following guidelines as a framework for an effective attorney-client relationship. While attorneys are governed by a Code of Professional Responsibility, these guidelines do not necessarily reflect ethical requirements to which an attorney must adhere. Perceived violations of these suggested guidelines may not give rise to an ethical complaint.

THE CLIENT SHOULD:

• Disclose all information, whether favorable or unfavorable, so that the attorney may determine whether to and how to best represent the client
• Immediately forward to the attorney any correspondence or documents the client may receive pertaining to the client's legal matter
• Review, discuss and understand the fee agreement and abide by its terms
• Ask questions of and raise any concerns with the attorney about the case and the attorney's representation of the client
• Review and discuss the attorney's statements about the strengths and weaknesses of the client's case and use the attorney's advice to make informed decisions during the case
• Have the right to hire a new attorney

THE ATTORNEY SHOULD:

• Undertake only those matters on the client's behalf which the attorney is competent to do
• Disclose fees and potential costs to the client and reach agreement on them before beginning representation
• Exercise independent professional judgment on behalf of the client and not engage in any conduct which creates a conflict of interest
• Be prepared to represent the client
• Represent the client vigorously within the laws and the rules that apply
• Not engage in any activity, make any agreement, or incur any obligation that is prejudicial to the client's rights or interests without the client's informed consent
• Keep attorney-client communications confidential, unless the client waives confidentiality or the Court orders disclosure
• Not make promises about the outcome of a client's case
• Let the client know if someone else on the attorney's staff is available to the client should a problem arise
• Provide the client with a copy of the written contract for services and fee agreement

BOTH SHOULD:

• Respond promptly to reasonable telephone contacts
• Be available to meet with each other when reasonably requested to do so
• Supply requested information and documents as soon as possible
• Keep each other informed of important developments, including offers of settlement
• Treat each other with respect and courtesy