Some clients may not understand the role of a lawyer in representing a client. In many ways, the lawyer’s role is limited, and in other ways it is quite broad. Remember that when a decision must be made about how a matter should be handled or about how a dispute should be resolved, your lawyer should provide you with information, advice, and recommendations about the decision. Ultimately, however, the decision is yours to make.
In any legal matter important rights are at stake – and it is your obligation to remain informed and interested in your lawyer’s handling of the matter. While the outcome of contested legal matters can never be guaranteed, your lawyer is always obligated to use his or her best efforts on your behalf.
You are hiring a lawyer to work for you as your advocate and counselor. You should expect your lawyer to:
- keep information confidential;
- listen to your problem;
- represent your interests – in and out of court;
- advise you of your rights and responsibilities;
- research and analyze all available facts and information relating to your problem;
- be candid with you about your problems, your prospects for success, and the advisability of accepting and making settlement offers;
- act with diligence and promptness;
- prepare legal documents;
- keep you informed about the status of your case; and
- check for conflicts of interest.