The Attorney-Client Relationship

When you hire a lawyer, you should expect professional and ethical behavior from a lawyer who:

WILL treat the client with respect and courtesy

WILL handle the client's legal matter competently and diligently

WILL exercise independent professional judgment on the client's behalf

WILL charge a reasonable fee and explain in advance how that fee will be computed

WILL respond promptly to telephone calls and written communications

WILL keep the client informed and provide the client copies of important papers

WILL preserve client confidences learned during the lawyer-client relationship

WILL exhibit the highest degree of ethical conduct and deal honestly and truthfully with the client, adversary other lawyers and judges

WILL be guided by a fundamental sense of fair play for the process and the participants and will not abuse the system or the profession

WILL respect the clients decisions on the objectives to be pursued in the case, as permitted by law and the rules of professional conduct, including whether to settle the case

Your lawyer will expect you to be honest and forthright and:

TO treat the lawyer with courtesy and respect

TO tell the truth and promptly notify the lawyer of any change in circumstance

TO understand that the lawyer has other clients who are equally deserving of the lawyer's time and efforts

TO tell the lawyer immediately if the client is unhappy regarding the representation and the reasons why

TO refrain from asking the lawyer to engage in illegal, unethical or unprofessional activities

TO be prompt in communication, for appointments or legal proceedings

TO pay the lawyer promptly and as agreed

TO question promptly billing entries which appear incorrect or which are not understood

TO discuss the matter with the lawyer immediately if the client cannot pay as agreed

The Carson Law Firm: Family Law Attorneys -- Serving St. Louis Families for Over a Decade

Send mail to familylawinfo@thecarsonlawfirm.com with questions or comments about this web site.

This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Persons accessing this site are encouraged to seek counsel for advice regarding their individual legal issues.

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