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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 lawyers 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,
religion, sex, sexual
orientation, age, national origin or
disability. |