As adopted by the New York State Bar Association:
Reciprocal trust, courtesy and respect are the hallmarks of the attorney-client relationship. Within that relationship, the client looks to the attorney for expertise, education, sound judgment, protection, advocacy and representation. These expectations can be achieved only if the client fulfills the following responsibilities:
- The
client is expected to treat the lawyer and the lawyer's staff with courtesy and
consideration.
- The
client's relationship with the lawyer must be one of complete candor and the
lawyer must be apprised of all facts or circumstances of the matter being
handled by the lawyer even if the client believes that those facts may be
detrimental to the client's cause or unflattering to the client.
- The
client must honor the fee arrangement as agreed to with the lawyer, in
accordance with law.
- All
bills for services rendered which are tendered to the client pursuant to the
agreed upon fee arrangement should be paid promptly.
- The
client may withdraw from the attorney-client relationship, subject to financial
commitments under the agreed to fee arrangement, and, in certain circumstances,
subject to court approval.
- Although
the client should expect that his or her correspondence, telephone calls and
other communications will be answered within a reasonable time frame, the
client should recognize that the lawyer has other clients equally demanding of
the lawyer's time and attention.
- The
client should maintain contact with the lawyer, promptly notify the lawyer of
any change in telephone number or address and respond promptly to a request by
the lawyer for information and cooperation.
- The
client must realize that the lawyer need respect only legitimate objectives of
the client and that the lawyer will not advocate or propose positions which are
unprofessional or contrary to law or the Lawyer's Code of Professional
Responsibility.
- The
lawyer may be unable to accept a case if the lawyer has previous professional
commitments which will result in inadequate time being available for the proper
representation of a new client.
- A
lawyer is under no obligation to accept a client if the lawyer determines that
the cause of the client is without merit, a conflict of interest would exist or
that a suitable working relationship with the client is not likely.
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