(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.
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