What are some of the important things that an attorney should do when first considering representation of a client?
Asked by: Lelia Ernser I | Last update: September 17, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (24 votes)
- the client understands the scope of the representation;
- the client understands the type of fee arrangement, what fees are charged, why, and what they will be applied to;
- the client understands how client trust money will be used;
What concerns must an attorney have when interviewing a client?
It adopts a pragmatic approach, explaining that an attorney may need several types of information to determine whether to accept a representation, including (1) information needed for a conflict check, (2) information about the client's financial condition, and (3) information about the merits of the case.
What are an attorney's ethical obligations to his/her client?
These principles include the lawyer's obligation zealously to protect and pursue a client's legitimate interests, within the bounds of the law, while maintaining a professional, courteous and civil attitude toward all persons involved in the legal system.
What is the first duty of an attorney?
They have a duty, undoubtedly, to their clients, but this is not the first duty, as is generally supposed. Their first duty is the administration of justice, and their duty to their client is subordinate to that.
What are some of the more important criteria to consider when selecting an attorney for a new firm?
- Excellent Online Reviews. ...
- Superior Knowledge of Tax Law. ...
- Experienced Attorneys in the Prime of their Careers. ...
- No Surprise Invoices. ...
- Great Customer Service. ...
- Team of Attorneys and Staff to Assist You. ...
- Easy Going, Down-to-Earth Attorneys and Staff.
How Should Clients Prepare For Their First Consultation with an Attorney?
What is the most important essential in a relationship with a lawyer?
Lawyers owe fiduciary duties to their clients,i including the duties of loyalty and confidentiality, which the California Supreme Court considers to be the most fundamental qualities of the attorney-client relationship.
What do people look for when they hire an attorney?
Look up a potential attorney on the State Bar website (www.calbar.ca.gov) to check for license status, eligibility to practice law, and history of public discipline. Ask a prospective attorney whether they carry liability or malpractice insurance.
What are the priorities of a lawyer?
We have identified four priorities among others (like family), which have to do with a lawyer's professional and personal life: health, professional practice, time management and personal and professional development.
What is the leading rule for the lawyer?
The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is diligence. Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day. Never let your correspondence fall behind. Whatever piece of business you have in hand, before stopping, do all the labor pertaining to it which can then be done.
What are the 5 responsibilities of a lawyer?
- Advise and represent clients in criminal or civil proceedings and in other legal matters.
- Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in a case.
- Conduct research and analysis of legal issues.
- Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
How do I know if my lawyer is bad?
Any behavior that compromises professionalism, such as rudeness, tardiness, or lack of respect for client confidentiality, should raise concerns about the lawyer's competence. Additionally, ethical misconduct or disciplinary actions by regulatory authorities may indicate a lack of integrity and competence.
What are the rules of conduct?
The Rules of Conduct are based on ethical principles of honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect, and responsibility.
What if an attorney knows his client is guilty?
Criminal defense attorneys are ethically required to zealously represent their clients, no matter what their personal opinion of the case may be. This means that criminal defense attorneys are required to do their best to advocate for their clients, even if the attorney believes the client is guilty.
What can a client do if she is unhappy with her attorney?
If you think your attorney has acted unethically
You can complete a complaint form online or download a PDF complaint form from the State Bar's website. You may also call the State Bar at 800-843-9053 (in California) or 213-765-1200 (outside California) to discuss the complaint-filing process.
What are some questions an attorney might ask a new client?
- Could I confirm your contact information and case details? ...
- Can you tell me more about your legal issue? ...
- Have you worked with a lawyer before? ...
- Have you worked with a lawyer on this specific matter? ...
- Can you tell me why you want to pursue this matter?
Can you deny a client as a lawyer?
You can always reject a prospective client for any reason, but you must let the client know why immediately. If a decision to deny a client was made during the consultation, you can give them a paper statement outlining your reasons for the denial before the client leaves the office.
What is the attorney golden rule?
Golden rule argument is an argument made by a lawyer during a jury trial to ask the jurors to put themselves in the place of the victim or the injured person and deliver the verdict that they would wish to receive if they were in that person's position.
What is the 3 rule of law?
Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: Publicly promulgated. Equally enforced. Independently adjudicated.
What is the rule 611 C?
Rule 611(c) of the Federal Rules of Evidence , lists the situations in which leading questions are appropriate, which include on cross-examination, when dealing with preliminary matters, when there is difficulty eliciting testimony from a witness, and when a hostile or adverse witness is being questioned.
What is the most important thing for a lawyer?
Apart from general characteristics like ambition, dedication and a disciplined approach, the lawyer-to-be also needs to possess special characteristics like being impeccably honest, decisive, objective in a matter, confident, and able to solve problems.
What defines a successful lawyer?
Strong Technical Skills
A deep and technical understanding of the law is the cornerstone of a successful practice. While this may seem obvious, it's important to bear in mind the importance of keeping your technical skills sharp over time – especially in solo practice, where you may have limited access to resources.
What four things do clients want from their attorneys?
What four things do clients want from their attorneys? Which one do they consider the most important? commitment, integrity, commentary, and fairness in fees. The most important is commitment.
How do you know if a lawyer is good or not?
- Criminal Trial Experience. ...
- Resources To Investigate and Prepare Your Case. ...
- Good Communication. ...
- Negotiation Skills. ...
- Empathy For the Situation You're In. ...
- Making Promises They Can't Keep.
What does a consultation with a lawyer look like?
A legal consultation is a chance for prospective clients with legal needs to meet (in person, over the phone, or through video chat) and discuss their legal needs with the attorney. This is where you discuss the relevant information regarding the type of legal assistance you need representation for.
What can you tell an attorney?
Tell Your Attorney What Happened
Be sure to include any relevant dates, times, and locations. If you were involved in the crime, explain to your attorney your role in the crime, what you did, and any factors that may have influenced your actions.