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 judgement 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.
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.